A microhabitat is a tiny home — under a log, beneath a stone, in a pile of leaves. Minibeasts like woodlice, worms, snails and beetles live in these damp, dark places that give them food and shelter.
What your child will learn
- Know what a microhabitat is
- Name minibeasts and where they live
- Explain why minibeasts choose damp, dark places
- Know how to look at minibeasts carefully and kindly
Small homes, big lives
Woodlice dry out easily, so they hide under logs where it is damp and dark. Worms tunnel through soil, mixing it and helping plants grow. Snails and slugs come out after rain because they need moisture.
When you look for minibeasts, lift logs and stones gently, look closely with a magnifying glass, and always put everything back as you found it.
Example questions
Here are a few questions like the ones in the first quest. Can you solve them?
1. Where might you find woodlice?
- In the sky
- On a hot pavement
- Under a log
- In a fridge
Show answer
Answer: Under a log. Woodlice like cool, damp places under logs and stones.
2. Which minibeast carries a shell on its back?
🐌- Worm
- Ant
- Caterpillar
- Snail
Show answer
Answer: Snail. A snail’s shell is its home.
3. Which minibeast turns into a butterfly?
🐛- Woodlouse
- Caterpillar
- Worm
- Spider
Show answer
Answer: Caterpillar. Caterpillars change into butterflies.
Tips for grown-ups
- Make a log pile in a corner of the garden and check it each week.
- Go on a minibeast hunt after rain.
- Use a pot and a soft paintbrush to look at a minibeast, then return it.