What is the typical behavior of thief ants regarding food?

Thief ants are noted for their unique foraging behavior, which primarily involves stealing food and larvae from the nests of other ant species. This parasitic behavior is a strategic adaptation that allows them to benefit from the resources that other ant colonies have worked hard to gather and care for. Thief ants are especially drawn to the brood (larvae) and food sources such as proteins and sugars, which can be pivotal for their survival. This behavior helps them maintain their colony without expending the energy and resources required for foraging.

The other options do not accurately reflect the behavior of thief ants, as they do not produce their own food, hoard food in large quantities, or restrict their diet exclusively to plant material. Instead, their reliance on the resources of other ants showcases their opportunistic feeding strategy, making option B the correct and representative choice regarding their typical behavior.