xylomycetophagy

Pronunciation
/zy-loh-my-see-TAH-fuh-jee/
Category
Behavior

Definition

The practice of feeding on wood-decaying fungi, often observed in certain insects and other arthropods.

Etymology

From Greek 'xylo-', meaning 'wood', 'myceto-', referring to fungi, and '-phagy', meaning 'feeding'.

Example

Many species of beetles engage in xylomycetophagy and play important roles in decomposing forest litter.

Synonyms

  • Wood-fungus feeding

Related Terms

Usage Notes

Xylomycetophagy is an ecological behavior that contributes to nutrient cycling in forest ecosystems.