Minibeast

In the context of ecological literacy, arthropods and other small invertebrates are often referred to by informal names such as minibeasts, bugs, creepy crawlies (-ie and -y in the singular), or minifauna (contrasting with megafauna).

[1] The term is used for spiders, insects, woodlice, centipedes, slugs, snails, worms and many other animals.

[3] Minibeasts, as indicated by their name, are generally miniature compared to pets and livestock that people are more often familiar with.

Studying minibeasts is a very effective way to observe many biological concepts first hand, which is not possible with many larger animals.

Life cycles, food chains, and bodily structure and function are just some of the basic elements of biological science which can be easily explained using minibeasts.