What do internal feeders primarily consume?

Internal feeders primarily consume kernels of whole grains and seeds, as these food sources provide the necessary nutrients and a suitable environment for them to thrive. This category of pests includes certain insects that infest stored products, such as grains, where they burrow into the kernels to feed on the starchy interior. This feeding behavior not only damages the grains directly but can also lead to significant economic losses in agricultural and storage contexts.

In contrast, surface grains and processed foods are typically targeted by external feeders, which do not burrow but rather consume food items from the outside. Wood and foliage are consumed by creatures that are classified differently, such as wood borers or leafcutter insects, rather than by internal feeders that specifically prioritize seed and grain interiors. Similarly, feeding on other insects or detritus falls under the scavenging or predatory behavior of different insect groups, not relevant to the internal feeding category. Understanding these distinctions helps clarify the specific feeding habits and ecological roles of various pests.