An anatomical approach to investigating Lyctus brunneus feeding behaviour in oak sapwood

What is it about?

Wood-boring beetles can cause significant damage to wooden structures, furniture, and even historical objects. Their larvae tunnel through the wood, leaving traces that can provide valuable information about their feeding behaviour. In this study, we investigated the feeding activity of Lyctus brunneus, a common powder-post beetle, in oak sapwood. Using detailed wood anatomy analysis, we identified how larvae grow and what types of wood tissues they consume. Our findings show that larvae feed on soft, starch-rich wood areas, particularly around earlywood vessels, while avoiding harder tissues such as fibres and rays. Their diet expands to include more fibrous wood tissues as they grow, though their feeding remains selective. This research has practical applications for archaeology and conservation. By studying the microscopic traces left by wood-boring beetles, we can better identify past infestations in historical and archaeological wooden objects, even when the wood is charred or waterlogged. These insights can help reconstruct past environments, improve preservation techniques, and distinguish between insect species responsible for wood decay. Our study provides a new way to link insect feeding behaviour with wood structure, offering valuable tools for researchers studying modern and ancient wood degradation.

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