What do true powder post beetles primarily prefer as a food source?

True powder post beetles primarily prefer hardwoods as a food source due to their specific feeding habits. These beetles have larvae that thrive by burrowing into the wood, particularly in hardwood species like oak, ash, and maple. The dense structure and chemical composition of hardwoods provide the necessary nutrients for larval development, making them the preferred habitat for these pests.

While some beetles may target softwoods or utilize other materials, true powder post beetles are particularly adapted to breaking down hardwoods. Their ability to digest the cellulose and lignin present in hardwoods is what distinguishes them in the wood-boring beetle category, making this food source crucial for their life cycle and reproduction.