Which family of beetles has an enzyme that allows them to digest cellulose?

The family of beetles known as Anobiidae, commonly referred to as woodboring beetles, has the unique ability to digest cellulose due to the presence of specialized enzymes. These enzymes facilitate the breakdown of cellulose, a complex carbohydrate found in the cell walls of plants, making it an important adaptation for a life spent in decaying wood or plant material.

This capability is particularly advantageous as it allows these beetles to thrive on a diet composed primarily of wood, which is otherwise challenging to digest for most organisms. The digestion of cellulose not only provides them with essential nutrients but also plays a role in the decomposition process, contributing to nutrient cycling in their habitats.

Although other families like Cerambycidae (longhorn beetles), Scolytidae (bark beetles), and Buprestidae (jewel beetles) may also interact with woody materials, they do not possess the same level of specialization for cellulose digestion as Anobiidae. The reliance on enzymatic digestion of cellulose highlights the ecological niche that Anobiidae occupies, showcasing their importance in forest ecosystems.