Saproxylic
- Pronunciation
- /sa-proh-XY-lick/
- Category
- Ecology
- Singular
- Saproxylic
- Plural
- Saproxylics
Definition
Referring to organisms, particularly insects, that depend on decaying wood for part or all of their life cycle.
Etymology
From Greek 'sapros', meaning 'rotten', and 'xylon', meaning 'wood'.
Example
Many beetle species are saproxylic, relying on dead or decaying wood for their larvae to develop.
Synonyms
- Wood-decay dependent
Related Terms
- Detritivore
- Decomposer
- Wood-boring insect
- Deadwood
Usage Notes
Saproxylic species play a crucial role in nutrient cycling and the decomposition of wood in forest ecosystems.