Birch Catkin Bug vs Dark Western Drywood Termite

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Birch Catkin Bug Dark Western Drywood Termite
Scientific Name Kleidocerys resedae Incisitermes fruticavus
Order Hemiptera Blattodea
Family Lygaeidae Kalotermitidae
Size 4-5 mm Workers 5-7 mm, soldiers 6-8 mm
Habitat Woodlands Woodlands
Diet Seed Feeders Wood Feeders
Regions Europe, northern Asia, North America Southwestern United States, Sonoran Desert
Conservation Least Concern Not Evaluated

Birch Catkin Bug

A small, oval brown seed bug that feeds on birch and alder catkins. It is very common in northern Europe and can form large swarms in autumn. It sometimes enters buildings in large numbers seeking overwintering shelter.

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Did You Know?

In autumn, enormous swarms of thousands can descend on buildings near birch trees, alarming homeowners despite the bugs being completely harmless.

Dark Western Drywood Termite

A drywood termite found in arid regions of the southwestern United States. It infests dead wood in desert trees and shrubs.

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Did You Know?

It commonly infests dead wood of palo verde trees and mesquite in the Sonoran Desert.