Which part of a structural wood is more likely to be consumed by true powderpost beetles?

True powderpost beetles are particularly known for their preference for sapwood, especially that of hardwoods. The sapwood, which is the younger, actively growing part of the tree that is located just beneath the bark, contains the nutrients and moisture that these beetles require for their larvae to thrive. This preference stems from the fact that sapwood is less dense and generally more susceptible to damage compared to heartwood, which is more developed and much denser due to the accumulation of protective substances over time.

The heartwood, while it can also be attacked, does not provide the same favorable conditions for larval development as sapwood does. Additionally, hardwood sapwood is typically richer in sugars and moisture, making it particularly appealing to these wood-destroying insects. The bark of the wood is not part of the structure that is consumed, as it serves more as a protective layer, while claiming that all types of wood are equally affected does not reflect the biological and ecological preferences of these beetles. Thus, the choice highlighting the sapwood of hardwoods aligns with the known behavior and feeding habits of true powderpost beetles.