Xylophage
A xylophage is an animal that primarily feeds on wood. These species play an essential role in forest ecosystems by breaking down tough plant material, recycling nutrients, and aiding in decomposition. Some xylophages rely solely on wood for sustenance, while others consume it alongside other organic matter.
Xylophages have evolved specialized adaptations to digest cellulose, the complex carbohydrate that makes up plant cell walls. Many species, such as termites and wood-boring beetles, rely on **symbiotic bacteria or fungi** in their digestive systems to break down wood fibers. Others, like shipworms, use specialized enzymes to extract nutrients from submerged wood.
Common xylophagous animals include termites, certain beetles like bark beetles and powderpost beetles, and wood-boring larvae such as carpenterworms. Some mollusks, like shipworms, bore into wood submerged in water. Even some vertebrates, like beavers, consume and process wood as part of their diet, though primarily for survival rather than direct nutrition.
Xylophages play a crucial role in forest ecology by accelerating the breakdown of fallen trees and dead wood, creating habitats for other organisms and enriching the soil. While some species, like termites, are essential for nutrient cycling, others can become pests when they infest wooden structures or agricultural crops.
No animals found for this category.