What distinguishes "drywood" termites from "subterranean" termites?

The distinction between drywood termites and subterranean termites is primarily based on their habitat and nesting behaviors. Drywood termites live within the wood they infest and consume, allowing them to thrive in structural wood components, furniture, and other dry wooden products. This lifestyle means they do not require contact with soil and can remain entirely within the infested wood.

In contrast, subterranean termites require a connection to the ground, where they build their nests in the soil. They typically travel through mud tubes to reach above-ground food sources, including wood and plant material. This dependency on soil for nesting and moisture makes them more vulnerable to environmental conditions compared to drywood termites.

Therefore, the correct choice emphasizes that drywood termites directly inhabit the wood they eat, while subterranean termites create their colonies in the soil, highlighting a fundamental difference in their life cycles and ecological niches.