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The energy budget of xylem-feeding Corymbia rubra (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) larvae was estimated by determining bioenergetic parameters. The values of several of the life history and bioenergetic parameters of this wood-feeding insect are exceptional and associated with specific adaptations to living in and feeding on wood. The energy budget of C. rubra sheds light on the life strategy of a xylem-feeder. Its slow growth (0.012 mg x mg(-1) x d(-1)) is associated with a low consumption rate (0.097 mg x mg(-1) x d(-1)) and the low nutritional value of its food (the assimilation efficiency is 34%). The gross growth and net growth efficiency are 15% and 43%, respectively.