Which type of termite does not require contact with water?

Drywood termites are the correct choice because they thrive in dry wood and do not require contact with water to survive. These termites typically infest dry, undecayed wood such as that found in structural timber and wooden furniture. Once they establish a colony inside the wood, they can completely live off the moisture found within the wood itself, making them well-suited for homes in arid environments where their need for moisture sources is minimal.

Other types of termites, such as dampwood and subterranean termites, rely on moisture for their survival. Dampwood termites, as their name implies, are often found in decaying wood that is moist and are more likely located in areas with high humidity. Subterranean termites, on the other hand, live in soil and require access to moisture from their environment, typically using mud tubes to reach wooden structures. Formosan termites are a type of subterranean termite that, while aggressive and capable of extensive damage, still rely on moisture from the soil. Thus, only drywood termites can complete their life cycle in dry conditions without needing water, making them unique among these options.