What does an ambrosia beetle primarily feed on?

The ambrosia beetle primarily feeds on fungus brought into the wood. This unique feeding behavior is central to its life cycle and ecological role. Ambrosia beetles are known for their symbiotic relationship with specific types of fungi that they cultivate inside the tunnels they create within the wood of trees. They bore into healthy or stressed trees, and while doing so, they bring in fungal spores, which they then cultivate as a food source for their larvae.

This method of feeding is beneficial for the beetles as it provides them with a readily available food supply, and it also plays a significant role in the decomposition of wood and nutrient cycling in forest ecosystems. The wood itself is not the direct food source; instead, it serves as a substrate for the fungus to grow, which is what the beetles ultimately consume. In contrast, other options do not accurately reflect the primary diet of the ambrosia beetle, as they either suggest feeding on live wood itself or on different types of organic material, which do not accurately depict the beetle’s symbiotic relationship with fungus.