Wood borer

Pronunciation: /wood BAW-ruhr/

Category: Ecology

Singular: Wood borer

Plural: Wood borers

Definition

An insect or larva that bores into and feeds on wood, often causing structural damage. Common examples include beetles and moths.

Etymology

From Old English 'wudu', meaning 'wood', and 'borian', meaning 'to bore or perforate'.

Example

The infestation of wood borers in the old barn caused significant structural damage over time.

Synonyms

Wood-boring insect
Timber pest

Related Terms

Xylophagy
Beetles
Moths
Larva

Usage Notes

Wood borers can belong to various insect families, including Cerambycidae (longhorn beetles), Buprestidae (jewel beetles), and Cossidae (carpenter moths). Their presence is often indicated by exit holes, frass (wood shavings), and damage to wooden structures.