The consumption of arboreal matter by fauna encompasses a wide range of interactions. This includes the ingestion of leaves (folivory), wood (xylophagy), sap, roots, seeds, and fruits. For instance, beavers fell trees for building dams and lodges, consuming the bark and smaller branches. Caterpillars feed extensively on foliage, and certain beetle larvae bore into wood, deriving sustenance from the cellulose and lignin.
These interactions are crucial for ecosystem dynamics. Herbivores influence forest structure and composition through selective feeding. The breakdown of woody material by xylophagous insects and fungi contributes significantly to nutrient cycling. Historically, the availability and type of plant matter have shaped the evolution and distribution of many animal species. These feeding habits can influence forest health, timber production, and even contribute to natural disturbances like wildfires by creating deadwood fuel.