Blind Cave Leiodid Beetle vs Dark Southern Subterranean Termite

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Blind Cave Leiodid Beetle Dark Southern Subterranean Termite
Scientific Name Glacicavicola bathyscioides Reticulitermes virginicus
Order Coleoptera Blattodea
Family Leiodidae Rhinotermitidae
Size 2-3 mm Workers 3-4 mm, soldiers 4-5 mm
Habitat Caves Caves
Diet Omnivores Wood Feeders
Regions United States Southeastern United States
Conservation Vulnerable Not Evaluated

Blind Cave Leiodid Beetle

A tiny eyeless beetle found in ice caves of the western United States. It survives in near-freezing temperatures on cave walls.

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Did You Know?

It thrives in caves where temperatures hover just above freezing year-round.

Dark Southern Subterranean Termite

A common subterranean termite in the southeastern United States. It is smaller and less destructive than the eastern subterranean termite but still causes significant damage.

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Did You Know?

It often coexists with the eastern subterranean termite, with both species found in the same logs.