Which type of powderpost beetle is known to prefer hardwoods?

The type of powderpost beetle that is known to prefer hardwoods is the Lyctids. This group specifically targets a range of hardwoods due to their ability to digest starch present in the cellulose of the wood. Lyctid beetles are typically associated with both newly cut and seasoned hardwood species, making their presence particularly concerning in structures featuring hardwood flooring, furniture, and other wooden elements.

In contrast, Anobiids, also known as woodworms or deathwatch beetles, can infest both hardwood and softwood but are not specifically known for preferring hardwoods. Bostrichids, on the other hand, tend to infest mainly softwoods and some hardwoods, but they do not exhibit the same strong preference for hardwoods as Lyctids do. Ambrosia beetles primarily infest living trees and are associated with the introduction of fungus; they are not classified among the traditional powderpost beetles that specifically target hardwoods for their larvae's development. Thus, Lyctids stand out as the group most directly associated with hardwood preference among the options provided.