Giant Nicoletiid vs Asian Subterranean Termite

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Giant Nicoletiid Asian Subterranean Termite
Scientific Name Texoreddellia aquilonaris Coptotermes gestroi
Order Zygentoma Blattodea
Family Nicoletiidae Rhinotermitidae
Size 15-25 mm 3-6 mm
Habitat Caves Caves
Diet Detritivores Wood Feeders
Regions North America, Texas Southeast Asia, Caribbean, South America, Florida
Conservation Vulnerable Not Evaluated

Giant Nicoletiid

A cave-dwelling, blind silverfish relative found in Texas caves. It is completely unpigmented and white, with elongated appendages adapted to cave life.

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Did You Know?

Cave-adapted silverfish like this species represent some of the most ancient lineages of living insects still inhabiting their ancestral habitat type.

Asian Subterranean Termite

A highly invasive subterranean termite that has spread throughout tropical regions worldwide. They are especially destructive in urban environments and boat timbers.

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Did You Know?

They have been transported globally through infested shipping materials and now threaten wooden structures on every tropical continent.