Asian Subterranean Termite vs Compass Termite

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Asian Subterranean Termite Compass Termite
Scientific Name Coptotermes gestroi Amitermes laurensis
Order Blattodea Blattodea
Family Rhinotermitidae Termitidae
Size 3-6 mm 4-6mm
Habitat Caves Grasslands
Diet Wood Feeders Herbivores
Regions Southeast Asia, Caribbean, South America, Florida Oceania
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.

Compass Termite

A termite that builds wedge-shaped mounds oriented east-west, exposing the broad face to the morning and evening sun. This orientation helps regulate internal temperature. Mounds dot the Cape York landscape.

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Did You Know?

Its mound orientation is the opposite of the magnetic termite, with the broad face pointing east-west.