Xylophages

Xylophages are organisms that feed on wood. The term derives from the Greek xylon meaning wood and phagein meaning to eat, and it is used to describe a broad group of organisms that use lignocellulosic material as a primary food source. Xylophages occur in terrestrial, freshwater, and marine environments and play important roles in wood decomposition and nutrient cycling.

Insects constitute a large and well-known group of xylophages. Termites and wood-boring beetles are notable examples. Termites digest cellulose with the help of symbiotic microorganisms in their guts, enabling them to extract nutrients from dead and decaying wood. Wood-boring beetle larvae, including species in families such as Anobiidae, Cerambycidae, and Bostrichidae, tunnel through wood as they feed, contributing to structural decay and facilitation of further decomposition.

Marine xylophages include shipworms, bivalves in the family Teredinidae, which bore into submerged timber such as piers, boats, and docks. These organisms are well known for their ability to live inside and digest submerged wood, causing substantial economic damage in nautical contexts.

Fungi and some bacteria also function as xylophages. Wood-decay fungi, including white-rot and brown-rot species, secrete enzymes that break down cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin. Certain bacteria participate in wood degradation, often in collaboration with fungi or insects, contributing to the overall process of wood decay.

Ecologically, xylophages are key decomposers, aiding in carbon and nutrient cycling. In human contexts, they can be pests, degrading lumber, buildings, and cultural artifacts, which drives the development of prevention and control strategies.