Desert Termite vs Western Drywood Termite
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Desert Termite | Western Drywood Termite |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Gnathamitermes tubiformans | Incisitermes minor |
| Order | Blattodea | Blattodea |
| Family | Termitidae | Kalotermitidae |
| Size | 4-7 mm | 4-11 mm |
| Habitat | Deserts & Drylands | Caves |
| Diet | Dung Feeders | Wood Feeders |
| Regions | North America | Western United States, Northern Mexico |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Not Evaluated |
Desert Termite
A subterranean termite that builds mud tubes over dead grass and cow dung in desert environments. It plays a critical role in nutrient cycling in arid ecosystems.
Did You Know?
Its mud tubes, called galleries, can cover entire dead grass plants overnight after a desert rainstorm.
Western Drywood Termite
A common drywood termite of the western United States that infests structural timbers and furniture. Unlike subterranean species, they require no soil contact.
Did You Know?
Their dry fecal pellets, pushed out of tiny kick-out holes, are often the first visible sign of an infestation.