The transformation of Saperda calcarata (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) into a cellulose digester through the inclusion of fungal enzymes in its diet

Authors

J.J. Kukor
M.M. Martin

Document Type

Article

Journal/Book Title/Conference

Oecologia

Volume

71

Issue

1

First Page

138

Last Page

141

Publication Date

1986

Abstract

The larvae of the aspen borer, Saperda calcarata, which feed on the inner bark and sapwood of living aspen stems, are unable to digest cellulose. However, they can be transformed into cellulose digesters by adding the active cellulase complex of the fungus, Penicillium funiculosum to their diet. S. calcarata larvae are preadapted to exploit the digestive potential of ingested microbial enzymes. We argue that ingested fungal enzymes may be responsible for cellulose digestion in many, perhaps most or even all, cellulose digesting cerambycid beetles.

Recommended Citation

Kukor, J.J., Martin, M.M. The transformation of Saperda calcarata (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) into a cellulose digester through the inclusion of fungal enzymes in its diet. Oecologia 71, 138–141 (1986). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00377333