xylophage
/ˈzaɪləˌfeɪdʒ/
noun
- An organism that feeds on wood, such as certain insects, fungi, or bacteria.
- Some xylophages play an important role in recycling nutrients in forest ecosystems.
- The fallen log was slowly broken down by xylophages like beetles and fungi.
- Termites are well-known xylophages that can damage wooden structures.