Great Purple Hairstreak vs Florida Drywood Termite
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Great Purple Hairstreak | Florida Drywood Termite |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Atlides halesus | Calcaritermes nearcticus |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Blattodea |
| Family | Lycaenidae | Kalotermitidae |
| Size | 32-50 mm wingspan | Workers 4-5 mm, soldiers 4-6 mm |
| Habitat | Woodlands | Woodlands |
| Diet | Nectar Feeders | Wood Feeders |
| Regions | Southern United States from California to the Atlantic coast | Southeastern United States (Florida, coastal Southeast) |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Not Evaluated |
Great Purple Hairstreak
The largest hairstreak in North America with brilliant iridescent blue upperside wings and a bright red-orange abdomen. Its underside is dark with metallic blue and red spots near the tails.
Did You Know?
Its caterpillars feed only on mistletoe, and females seek out this parasitic plant high in oak canopies to lay their eggs.
Florida Drywood Termite
A small drywood termite native to the southeastern United States. Soldiers have distinctive calcar-like projections on their tibiae.
Did You Know?
Its tibial spurs (calcars) give the genus its name and are used in defense alongside its mandibles.