Dark Southern Subterranean Termite vs Japanese Cave Cricket

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Dark Southern Subterranean Termite Japanese Cave Cricket
Scientific Name Reticulitermes virginicus Diestrammena japanica
Order Blattodea Orthoptera
Family Rhinotermitidae Rhaphidophoridae
Size Workers 3-4 mm, soldiers 4-5 mm 15-25 mm
Habitat Caves Caves
Diet Wood Feeders Fungus Feeders
Regions Southeastern United States Japan
Conservation Not Evaluated Least Concern

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.

Japanese Cave Cricket

A large cave cricket native to Japan where it inhabits natural caves and man-made tunnels. It has very long antennae that can be three times its body length.

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Did You Know?

Its antennae can detect air currents from predators in total darkness.