Florida Dampwood Termite vs Compass Termite

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Florida Dampwood Termite Compass Termite
Scientific Name Neotermes castaneus Amitermes laurensis
Order Blattodea Blattodea
Family Kalotermitidae Termitidae
Size 6-12 mm 4-6mm
Habitat Woodlands Grasslands
Diet Wood Feeders Herbivores
Regions Southern Florida, Caribbean Oceania
Conservation Not Evaluated Least Concern

Florida Dampwood Termite

A dampwood termite found in southern Florida and the Caribbean that infests water-damaged wood. Colonies remain small and localized within their wood food source.

💡

Did You Know?

They are commonly found infesting living trees that have heartwood decay from fungal infections.

Compass Termite

A termite that builds wedge-shaped mounds oriented east-west, exposing the broad face to the morning and evening sun. This orientation helps regulate internal temperature. Mounds dot the Cape York landscape.

💡

Did You Know?

Its mound orientation is the opposite of the magnetic termite, with the broad face pointing east-west.