saprophagous, a.
(sæˈprɒfəgəs)
[f. mod.L. saprophag-us (f. Gr. σαπρός putrid + -ϕάγος eating) + -ous.]
Living on decomposing matter.
| 1819 Macleay Horæ Entomol. I. 27 Saprophagous insects or such as feed on putrid or decomposed vegetable matter. 1849 Hardy in Proc. Berw. Nat. Club II. No. 7. 361 Species whose larvæ are..either fungivorous or saprophagous. |