Leaf litter morphological traits, invertebrate body mass and phylogenetic affiliation explain the feeding and feces properties of saprophagous macroarthropods

Saprophagous macroarthropods are important actors in litter decomposition as they process large amounts of and transform it into fecal pellets that differ chemical physical properties compared to ingested litter. When having a choice among several types, saprophagous exhibit feeding preferences depending on their nutritional requirements body size. However, how these affect feces is not well known. We the preferences, production for six widespread species mix four common tree from Mediterranean forests. The animal showed different were correlated quality. Instead, we suggest use microhabitat leaves one with tubular shape by induced its higher consumption despite lowest value. Larger consumed less per unit mass had more diverse diet composition. Furthermore, could be linked composition, but always value water holding capacity leaf three woodlice consistently produced tannin concentration, specific area, lower than millipede species. Our study calls consideration other generally studied ones, quantifying difference between may have functional implication nutrient cycling.