Which termite species can survive without contact with soil?

The correct choice, which is the Drywood Termite, reflects its unique ability to thrive without the necessity of direct contact with soil. Unlike subterranean termites, which require moisture from the ground to survive and typically build their colonies in soil, drywood termites can inhabit dry wood, extracting moisture from the wood itself. This adaptation allows them to live in a variety of environments, including attics and wooden structures, disengaged from soil contact.

Drywood termites also have a distinct reproductive strategy and can establish colonies within wood, often leading to infestations that can go unnoticed for long periods, as they do not rely on the soil for their life cycle. This ability makes them a particular concern in pest management, as they can be present in homes without traditional signs of termite activity associated with soil-dependent species.

In contrast, subterranean termites, Formosan termites, and dampwood termites have various requirements that tie them to soil or moisture-rich environments, further highlighting the Drywood Termite's unique ecological niche.