What key distinction separates the deathwatch beetle's diet strategy from some other common wood-boring pests?

Answer

It relies on wood that has already begun to degrade due to moisture or fungus

This dependency on pre-decayed wood distinguishes them, as they rely on the material reaching a specific state of softness and decomposition that makes it digestible for the larvae.

What key distinction separates the deathwatch beetle's diet strategy from some other common wood-boring pests?
foodinsectwoodDeathwatch Beetle