This paper investigates the ability of Limnoria (Isopoda: Limnoriidae) to determine chemical differences in wood substrates, while in contact with the substrates. Test substrates were chosen on the basis of previous arguments concerning the chemical state of wood prior to Limnoria attack: microbial, ergosterol, metabolite, humic, extract and control (autoclaved) veneers were used as experimental substrates. A significantly higher number of Limnoria were found on microbial, ergosterol and metabolite veneers in preference to control veneers. Further investigation is required for both humic and Limnoria veneer substrates. Contact chemoreception was assumed to be the major sensory function used to determine the chemical differences in wood substrates.

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