by Quinn Ryszka
A flash of black with orange siding inches its way across the forest floor in Malaysia. An unusual sight that is almost instantly recognizable to anyone fortunate enough to have learned of this strange creature. However, it is also a new sight for many. Being initially discovered only 200 years ago, having its male counterpart discovered close to 100 years ago, and research into its diet still ongoing, the Trilobite Beetle was hiding right under our noses for around 47 million years. Believed to be a detrivore, this beetle may be part of one of the most exciting categories of insects. The bugs that rely on this unusual diet of decomposing organic matter may be small, but their impact is large. With only 35 species of insects classified as detritivores, these helpful critters get to work and take up one of the most important roles in our ecosystem: decomposition!
This author initially found their fascination in the world of detritivores with one of our most well-known bugs out there that is secretly a crustacean. We know them by many names: “Pill-bug,” “Rolly-Pollie,” “Woodlice,” or as many entomology enthusiasts call them, “Terrestrial Isopods”. These fascinating creatures are a species of detritivores found globally. From your backyard to the caves of Thailand, these small guys leave quite an impact everywhere they go. What we know about their effects on their ecosystem currently is that they help to break down materials like leaf litter, dead plants, animal carcasses, and adjacent food sources to help return these nutrients into the land they live on. But their importance doesn’t stop there!
Research occurring in real-time by German Biologists in the field of Applied Soil Ecology have been studying these bugs and applying their abilities to the issue of plastic pollution. In theory, these bugs have the ability to consume certain types of plastic waste, further helping us to keep our environment clean. Isopods may have been on this earth for close to 300 million years, and we are still managing to apply their abilities to modern problems in order to come up with solutions to our current-day environmental concerns. Our current research and exploration continue to find solutions to our big problems in smaller and often overlooked forms, like these helpful detritivores.
In our everyday lives, it is so easy to get caught up in the “bigger picture” and the things that need our immediate attention. But don’t allow that to distract you from noticing the little things that help make our world go round, like the isopods that you walk past on your way to work or class each day. Make sure to take the time to appreciate the little things, because they truly add up. Thank you, detritivores, for all the unsung work you take up for the betterment of our world. And a very special thank you to our researchers who made all of this information available. And most importantly of all, happy exploring to all those who wonder.
© Quinn Ryszka
Quinn Ryszka (they/them) is a writer and full-time student currently residing in Flagstaff, Arizona. They study at Northern Arizona University where they are currently pursuing their bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education English. Their main fascination resides in themes of self, which is often reflected throughout their works. They are a long-time writer but new to the publishing scene with no previous publications.
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