xylophages
/ˈzaɪləˌfeɪdʒɪz/
noun
- Organisms that feed on wood, such as certain insects, fungi, or bacteria.
- Some xylophages, like certain beetles, play an important role in breaking down dead trees in forests.
- Termites are well-known xylophages that can damage wooden structures.
- The scientist studied xylophages to understand how they digest cellulose.