What type of wood do ambrosia beetles prefer?

Ambrosia beetles are known for their symbiotic relationship with fungi which they introduce into trees. They typically prefer green logs or green lumber because this type of wood provides the optimal conditions for their fungal partners to thrive. The moisture content in green wood is conducive to the development of the fungi, which the ambrosia beetles rely on as a food source for themselves and their larvae.

In contrast, dry, aged hardwoods do not have the necessary moisture content needed for the fungi to grow effectively, making them less attractive to ambrosia beetles. Tempered softwoods and untreated plywood do not meet the specific preferences of ambrosia beetles either. Tempered softwoods may be treated in ways that can deter these pests, while untreated plywood does not provide the same favorable conditions found in green wood. Thus, the attraction of ambrosia beetles to green logs or green lumber stems from their dependence on the moisture and the associated fungi present in that type of wood.