Physiology of the Formosan subterranean termite, with special reference to wood degradation and metabolism

It has been widely recognized that the Formosan subterranean termite, Coptotermes formosanus Shiraki, is a significant pest species damaging wooden structures, owing to its prominent capability for degradation of wood. The primary component of wood is a complex structure consisting of cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin, termed lignocellulose. This chapter provides an overview of current knowledge on the digestive enzymes involved in lignocellulose degradation produced by C. formosanus and their microbial symbionts in the hindgut, as well as the mode of action by which these enzymes attack lignocellulose. We also summarize our understanding of catabolism of simple sugars released by hydrolysis of cellulose and hemicellulose in the tissues of C. formosanus, with reference to pyruvate metabolism and energy budget.