Dark Southern Drywood Termite vs Blue Carpenter Bee

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Dark Southern Drywood Termite Blue Carpenter Bee
Scientific Name Cryptotermes cavifrons Xylocopa caerulea
Order Blattodea Hymenoptera
Family Kalotermitidae Apidae
Size 4-7 mm 20-23 mm
Habitat Woodlands Woodlands
Diet Wood Feeders Wood Feeders
Regions Southeastern United States, Caribbean Asia
Conservation Not Evaluated Least Concern

Dark Southern Drywood Termite

A native drywood termite of the southeastern United States and Caribbean. They infest hardwoods and are commonly found in dead tree branches and stumps.

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Did You Know?

Their soldiers use their uniquely roughened heads to block gallery entrances with a sandpaper-like grip.

Blue Carpenter Bee

A striking large bee with brilliant blue iridescent coloring. Nests in dead wood by boring tunnels. Despite their intimidating size, they are generally docile and rarely sting.

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Did You Know?

The blue carpenter bee is one of the few truly blue bees in the world — its stunning metallic blue coloring comes from structural nanostructures rather than pigment.