Asian Subterranean Termite vs Carpenter Bee

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Asian Subterranean Termite Carpenter Bee
Scientific Name Coptotermes gestroi Xylocopa violacea
Order Blattodea Hymenoptera
Family Rhinotermitidae Apidae
Size 3-6 mm 20-28 mm
Habitat Caves Woodlands
Diet Wood Feeders Wood Feeders
Regions Southeast Asia, Caribbean, South America, Florida Europe, Asia
Conservation Not Evaluated Least Concern

Asian Subterranean Termite

A highly invasive subterranean termite that has spread throughout tropical regions worldwide. They are especially destructive in urban environments and boat timbers.

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Did You Know?

They have been transported globally through infested shipping materials and now threaten wooden structures on every tropical continent.

Carpenter Bee

A large, robust bee with an entirely black body showing violet-blue iridescent wings. It excavates nest tunnels in dead wood and is an important pollinator of open-faced flowers.

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Did You Know?

Despite their intimidating size and loud buzz, male carpenter bees are completely harmless as they lack a stinger and merely bluff when defending their territory.