Effects of leaf litter consumption by millipedes (Harpaphe haydeniana) on subsequent decomposition depends on litter type

► Microbial respiration was higher on maple than Douglas-fir litter (67). ► Higher CO2 release from maple than Douglas-fir litter persisted through ingestion (83). ► Maple litter was dominated by Gram negative bacteria; Douglas-fir by Gram positive (85). ► Microbial community structure in the two litters was homogenized by ingestion (79). ► Fragmentation of litter and faecal pellets increased CO2 release (67).