Giant Termite vs Carpenterworm Moth

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Giant Termite Carpenterworm Moth
Scientific Name Macrognathotermes sunteri Prionoxystus robiniae
Order Blattodea Lepidoptera
Family Termitidae Cossidae
Size Workers 6-8 mm; soldiers up to 12 mm 40–75 mm wingspan
Habitat Woodlands Forests
Diet Wood Feeders Wood Feeders
Regions Australia North America
Conservation Least Concern Not Evaluated

Giant Termite

One of Australia's largest termite species with soldiers bearing massive curved mandibles. It builds large dome-shaped mounds in tropical woodland.

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Did You Know?

Its soldiers have such powerful jaws they can draw blood if they bite a human finger.

Carpenterworm Moth

A large North American moth whose larvae bore into the heartwood of oaks, elms, and other hardwoods. It is the most destructive wood-boring moth in eastern forests.

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Did You Know?

Larvae create tunnels up to 25 mm wide and take three to four years to complete development.