Arid-land Subterranean Termite vs Sumatran Neon Jewel Beetle

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Arid-land Subterranean Termite Sumatran Neon Jewel Beetle
Scientific Name Reticulitermes tibialis Chrysochroa rajah
Order Blattodea Coleoptera
Family Rhinotermitidae Buprestidae
Size Workers 3-4 mm, soldiers 4-5 mm 35-50 mm
Habitat Caves Forests
Diet Wood Feeders Wood Feeders
Regions Western and central United States Southeast Asia (Thailand, Malaysia, Sumatra, Borneo, Indonesia)
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.

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Did You Know?

It thrives in desert conditions where annual rainfall is less than 250 mm by deeply tapping soil moisture.

Sumatran Neon Jewel Beetle

An extraordinarily vibrant jewel beetle with iridescent green elytra bearing a wide metallic golden-red stripe down each side. The ventral surface shines with metallic blue-green tones.

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Did You Know?

Its elytra are among the most sought-after in the jewel beetle trade and have been used in traditional metalwork jewelry for centuries.