Gut-associated microflora of Limnoria tripunctata in marine creosote-treated wood pilings

Abstract

The marine isopod Limnoria tripunctata is unique among wood borers in its ability to inhabit and severely damage creosote-treated wooden structures, yet little is known of the nature of this apparent resistance to creosote. When the animal is reared on untreated wood, its digestive tract appears to be free of microorganisms2–6. In contrast, we report here that microorganisms are readily observed in the digestive tract of L. tripunctata inhabiting creosote-preserved wooden pilings. Furthermore, isopods from such preserved wood apparently possess a resident gut microflora, which is in close association with the lining of the intestinal tract and is separated by a peritrophic membrane from other microorganisms ingested during wood boring.