European Subterranean Termite vs Milk Termite

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute European Subterranean Termite Milk Termite
Scientific Name Reticulitermes lucifugus Schedorhinotermes lamanianus
Order Blattodea Blattodea
Family Rhinotermitidae Rhinotermitidae
Size Workers 3-5 mm, soldiers 4-6 mm Workers 4-5 mm, major soldiers 7-8 mm
Habitat Caves Caves
Diet Wood Feeders Wood Feeders
Regions Southern Europe (Mediterranean region) Northern Australia
Conservation Not Evaluated Not Evaluated

European Subterranean Termite

The most widespread subterranean termite in southern Europe. It damages wooden structures and historical buildings across the Mediterranean.

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Did You Know?

Its species name lucifugus means light-fleeing, referring to its strictly underground habit.

Milk Termite

A large subterranean termite from tropical Australia with two distinct soldier sizes. Major soldiers have large mandibles while minor soldiers are smaller.

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Did You Know?

It gets its common name from the milky white secretion that soldiers exude when the colony is disturbed.