Dark Southern Drywood Termite vs Xantholine Rove Beetle

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Dark Southern Drywood Termite Xantholine Rove Beetle
Scientific Name Cryptotermes cavifrons Xantholinus linearis
Order Blattodea Coleoptera
Family Kalotermitidae Staphylinidae
Size 4-7 mm 6-9 mm
Habitat Woodlands Woodlands
Diet Wood Feeders Predators
Regions Southeastern United States, Caribbean Europe, Asia, North America
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.

Xantholine Rove Beetle

An elongated, shiny black rove beetle with a distinctive long head. It hunts small invertebrates in soil and under bark.

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Did You Know?

Its extremely elongated head allows it to probe deep into bark crevices and soil pores for hidden prey.