European Banded Ichneumon vs Western Subterranean Termite

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute European Banded Ichneumon Western Subterranean Termite
Scientific Name Amblyteles armatorius Reticulitermes hesperus
Order Hymenoptera Blattodea
Family Ichneumonidae Rhinotermitidae
Size 14-18 mm 4–8 mm
Habitat Underground Underground
Diet Parasitoids Wood Feeders
Regions Europe Western North America
Conservation Least Concern Not Evaluated

European Banded Ichneumon

A striking black and yellow ichneumon wasp that closely resembles a social wasp. It is a common parasitoid of noctuid moth pupae in soil.

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Did You Know?

Its convincing mimicry of social wasps protects it from predators despite being completely harmless to humans.

Western Subterranean Termite

The most common structural pest termite in western North America. Colonies build extensive underground tunnel networks connecting to above-ground wood sources.

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Did You Know?

A single colony can contain over one million individuals and forage across an area of half an acre.