Saproxylic

Saproxylic invertebrates are those invertebrates that are dependent on dead or decaying wood (or dependent on other organisms that are themselves dependent on dead wood). These invertebrates may not be dependent on the wood for their entire life cycle but at least some stage is dependent on wood.

A good example of this are the larvae of some beetles that feed on decaying wood. The adults may feed on other things (such as nectar).

Possibly the most well known of Britain's beetles, the Stag beetle Lucanus cervus. The larvae are saproxylic.

Related terms

• Goliath beetle
• Rhinoceros beetle
• Weta
• Wood borer
• Woodworm
• Xylophagous

Related groups of terms

• General biology

See other words beginning with S