Four-lined Silverfish vs Powderpost Drywood Termite

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Four-lined Silverfish Powderpost Drywood Termite
Scientific Name Ctenolepisma lineatum Cryptotermes domesticus
Order Zygentoma Blattodea
Family Lepismatidae Kalotermitidae
Size 8-12 mm Workers 3-5 mm, soldiers 4-5 mm
Habitat Woodlands Woodlands
Diet Detritivores Wood Feeders
Regions Mediterranean Europe, North Africa Tropical Asia, Pacific Islands
Conservation Least Concern Not Evaluated

Four-lined Silverfish

A silverfish identified by four dark longitudinal lines on its body. It is found outdoors under bark and stones in Mediterranean climates.

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Did You Know?

Unlike most silverfish, it is primarily an outdoor species that rarely enters buildings.

Powderpost Drywood Termite

A destructive drywood termite that reduces wood to a fine powder. It is a major pest of wooden structures across tropical Asia.

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Did You Know?

Infested timber can appear intact on the surface while being completely hollow and powder-filled inside.