Xylophagous

Pronunciation
/zy-LOF-uh-guhs/
Category
Behavior
Singular
Xylophagous
Plural
Xylophagous

Definition

Describes insects or other organisms that feed on wood.

Etymology

From Greek 'xylo-', meaning 'wood', and '-phagous', meaning 'eating'.

Example

Termites are xylophagous insects that can cause significant damage to wooden structures.

Synonyms

  • Wood-eating
  • Timber-feeding

Related Terms

Usage Notes

Xylophagous species play important ecological roles in the decomposition and recycling of wood in forest ecosystems.