Dark Western Drywood Termite vs Tropical Rough-headed Termite

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Dark Western Drywood Termite Tropical Rough-headed Termite
Scientific Name Incisitermes fruticavus Heterotermes tenuis
Order Blattodea Blattodea
Family Kalotermitidae Rhinotermitidae
Size Workers 5-7 mm, soldiers 6-8 mm 4-5 mm
Habitat Woodlands Caves
Diet Wood Feeders Gall Makers
Regions Southwestern United States, Sonoran Desert Brazil, South America
Conservation Not Evaluated Least Concern

Dark Western Drywood Termite

A drywood termite found in arid regions of the southwestern United States. It infests dead wood in desert trees and shrubs.

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Did You Know?

It commonly infests dead wood of palo verde trees and mesquite in the Sonoran Desert.

Tropical Rough-headed Termite

A Neotropical subterranean termite and significant sugarcane pest in Brazil. Colonies are diffuse with interconnected subterranean galleries. Workers attack the roots and lower stems of sugarcane plants, often killing them.

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Did You Know?

This species causes estimated losses of over $1 billion annually to the Brazilian sugarcane industry, making it one of the most economically damaging insects in South America.