Eco-Trail at Camp Casa Mare
Learn about the wildlife that call Camp Casa Mare home!

insects and Detritivores

Detritivores

What are Detritivores?

You may know about herbivores, carnivores, and omnivores but have you heard of detritivores? Also referred to as decomposers, detritivores feed on dead or decaying organic matter. This includes rotting wood, leaf litter, animal carcasses, and fecal matter. Decomposers are extremely important to ecosystems, as they return nutrients back into the environment. 

Mushrooms are common detritivores, helping to decompose dead plants and animals. 

Earthworms are also common decomposers, breaking down organic matter and enriching the soil.




Monarch Butterfly

Danaus plexippus

The Monarch butterfly is a milkweed butterfly and likely the most recognizable butterfly in North America. They pollinate many different kinds of native wildflowers. Monarchs lay their eggs in America during the spring then migrate to Mexico as the weather gets colder. 



Eastern Carpenter Bee

Xylocopa virginica

The Eastern carpenter bee is a solitary bee, meaning it does not live in large hives like honey bees do. Carpenter bees are often seen as pests due to the fact they bore into wooden structures to make their nests. Eastern carpenter bees, however, are some of the most important pollinators to native plants. 



Asian Tiger Mosquito

Aedes albopictus

There's no doubt about it, mosquitos are pests. The Asian tiger mosquito is the most common species of mosquito in Texas. Despite being a pest to humans and animals, the Asian tiger mosquito is actually an important part of the ecosystem. They provide a food source for many different fish, bats, birds, and other insects. 



Golden Orb Weaver

Trichonephila clavipes

The Golden Orb Weaver spider, also called the banana spider, is a large spider known for its unique golden-yellow silk. Its webs are large and circular, often spanning between multiple trees. Female orb weavers are some of the biggest spiders native to North America, and can grow up to 6 inches long. Orb weavers eat pests such as beetles, flies, and locusts.