What is the primary food source for Formosan termites?

Formosan termites primarily feed on wood, which is essential for their survival and colony development. They have a particular affinity for cellulose, a complex carbohydrate found in the structure of wood. This cellulose provides the necessary nutrients for their growth and reproduction. Formosan termites are particularly effective at breaking down wood because they possess symbiotic microorganisms in their guts that help digest cellulose, allowing them to thrive in environments where wood is abundant.

In their natural habitat, Formosan termites are often found in decaying wood or in structures containing wood materials, which highlights their reliance on wood as a primary food source. This dedication to wood feeding also makes them a significant pest in urban areas where they can cause extensive damage to wooden structures. The other options, such as grass, paper, and soil, may present some nutritional value but do not serve as the main food source for these termites. Grass does not contain the same level of cellulose that wood does, while paper, though made from wood pulp, is less favorable than solid wood in their natural foraging behavior. Soil, meanwhile, does not provide the necessary nutrients as a food source for Formosan termites.