Cypress Bark Moth vs Arid-land Subterranean Termite

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Cypress Bark Moth Arid-land Subterranean Termite
Scientific Name Laspeyresia cupressana Reticulitermes tibialis
Order Lepidoptera Blattodea
Family Tortricidae Rhinotermitidae
Size 12–18 mm wingspan Workers 3-4 mm, soldiers 4-5 mm
Habitat Gardens Caves
Diet Wood Feeders Wood Feeders
Regions Mediterranean Europe, Western Asia Western and central United States
Conservation Not Evaluated Not Evaluated

Cypress Bark Moth

A small moth whose larvae bore beneath the bark of cypress and juniper trees. It can cause significant damage to ornamental cypress plantings.

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Did You Know?

Heavy infestations cause extensive resin bleeding on cypress trunks, creating conspicuous white patches.

Arid-land Subterranean Termite

A subterranean termite adapted to dry conditions in the western United States. It builds mud tubes across exposed surfaces to maintain humidity.

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Did You Know?

It thrives in desert conditions where annual rainfall is less than 250 mm by deeply tapping soil moisture.