Arid-land Subterranean Termite vs Drywood Termite
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Arid-land Subterranean Termite | Drywood Termite |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Reticulitermes tibialis | Cryptotermes brevis |
| Order | Blattodea | Blattodea |
| Family | Rhinotermitidae | Kalotermitidae |
| Size | Workers 3-4 mm, soldiers 4-5 mm | 4-7 mm |
| Habitat | Caves | Indoors |
| Diet | Wood Feeders | Wood Feeders |
| Regions | Western and central United States | North America, South America, Central America, Africa, Oceania |
| Conservation | Not Evaluated | Least Concern |
Arid-land Subterranean Termite
A subterranean termite adapted to dry conditions in the western United States. It builds mud tubes across exposed surfaces to maintain humidity.
Did You Know?
It thrives in desert conditions where annual rainfall is less than 250 mm by deeply tapping soil moisture.
Drywood Termite
A small termite that lives entirely within dry wood without needing contact with soil. It forms small colonies inside furniture, structural timbers, and dead branches.
Did You Know?
Drywood termites produce distinctive hexagonal fecal pellets that they kick out of tiny holes in wood, often the first sign of their presence.