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Dead trees – a whole world of life
Discover nature between the buildings

Green shieldbug
Habitat: Woodland floor and dead trees
Food: Flowers, thistles, elder and other plants
Fun fact: Gives off a strong smell when frightened – that's why it's also called a stink bug.

Longhorn beetle
Habitat: Larvae live inside dead wood
Food: Pollen and nectar from woodland plants
Fun fact: It looks like a wasp, but it cannot sting.

Woodlouse
Habitat: Dead wood or beneath stones
Food: Dead plants, decaying wood and small dead animals
Fun fact: A woodlouse is not an insect – it is related to crabs and shrimps.

Devil's coach horse beetle
Habitat: Under stones or dead trees
Food: Worms, larvae and slugs
Fun fact: When threatened, it raises its tail like a scorpion.

Zebra jumping spider
Habitat: Parks and urban areas
Food: Small insects such as flies and mosquitoes
Fun fact: Its black-and-white stripes make it look like a tiny zebra.

Ground beetle
Habitat: Dead trees and willow scrub
Food: Snails, larvae and other small insects
Fun fact: Many species have a beautiful metallic shine.

There is plenty of life inside dead trees
A dead tree lying on the ground may look lifeless, but it is full of life. When a tree dies, many small animals and fungi move in. Over time the wood becomes softer, making it easier for insects and other small creatures to dig tunnels and find shelter. Fungi and tiny animals work together to break the wood down.

They are nature's recycling team. As the wood slowly decays, it turns into nutrient-rich soil where new plants and trees can grow.

Some animals and fungi depend on dead trees to survive. They are an important part of biodiversity – the rich variety of life that helps keep nature healthy and in balance.

Dead trees also provide excellent hiding places. Mice often build nests beneath fallen trunks to stay warm and safe. Salamanders can spend the winter hidden inside old tree trunks or beneath them.

Give it a try!
Find a dead tree nearby and take a close look at the bark and cracks. How many small animals or fungi can you find?

Did you know?
Red wood ants build huge nests that can be up to 1.5 meters high, with an underground part that is just as deep.