Coffee Longhorn vs Dark Southern Subterranean Termite

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Coffee Longhorn Dark Southern Subterranean Termite
Scientific Name Xylotrechus quadripes Reticulitermes virginicus
Order Coleoptera Blattodea
Family Cerambycidae Rhinotermitidae
Size 12-20 mm Workers 3-4 mm, soldiers 4-5 mm
Habitat Farmland Caves
Diet Wood Feeders Wood Feeders
Regions India, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Indonesia Southeastern United States
Conservation Least Concern Not Evaluated

Coffee Longhorn

A significant pest of arabica coffee in South and Southeast Asia, with zigzag yellow markings on dark brown elytra. Larvae bore into the main stems of coffee bushes, causing branch die-back. Adults emerge during the monsoon season.

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Did You Know?

Infestations can kill entire coffee bushes within a single season, causing up to 30% crop loss in some regions.

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.