Trascrizione
The world of insects is incredible, characterised by strength, tenacity, and a perspective quite different from what we are accustomed to. In fact, insects constitute the largest animal class, with more than a million different species, all of which are connected, positively or negatively, to our lives and activities, including our economy, food, and health. Consider, for example, xylophagous insects, a term derived from Greek, meaning that they primarily feed on wood, both as larvae and adults.
In nature, these insects play a crucial role in the decomposition of wood, such as in a forest, as they recycle organic matter. Digesting wood is no small feat, which is why they require not only special digestive enzymes (cellulases) but even protozoa in their digestive systems to help break down wood substances.
So far, we have been discussing beneficial insects, but when these insects attack wooden objects inside our homes, they can create quite a few problems! This is especially the case with wood ants, which, in addition to appreciating forest trees, also have a fondness for all the wooden objects we have at home, from parquet flooring to ceiling beams.
However, there are xylophagous insects that are harmful both in homes and in nature. This is the case of Cerambyx cerdo, or the oak longhorn beetle, whose larvae, which live for 3 to 5 years, consume wood to the point of causing damage to the host tree. On one hand, it is considered an important species because, by burrowing into trees, it creates valuable habitats for other species, but if it becomes excessive, it can indeed lead to serious issues for the forests where it resides.
This marks the end of our audio guide, but the Morbegno Civic Museum of Natural History still houses numerous specimens and examples that deserve close examination. Continue to explore and feel free to approach the staff if you have any questions or concerns. Take with you everything you have discovered here and come back to visit us to better understand what you have observed in nature. You will see that from now on, a simple walk in the woods will offer countless opportunities to return in your mind to these displays, dioramas, models, and exhibits!