What is a common feature of wood-destroying insects?

Wood-destroying insects are characterized by their ability to feed on cellulose-based materials, which are found abundantly in wood and plant tissues. Cellulose is a complex carbohydrate, and these insects have the necessary enzymes to break it down and derive nourishment from it. This feeding behavior allows them to thrive in environments where these materials are present, directly contributing to wood deterioration and structural damage.

While some wood-destroying insects may indeed have wings or prefer moist environments, these traits are not universal across all species within this group. Similarly, not all of them are nocturnal, as some may exhibit diurnal activity patterns. The focus on cellulose-based feeding highlights the primary mechanism by which they cause damage to wooden structures, making it a defining characteristic of wood-destroying insects.