Hag Moth vs Asian Subterranean Termite

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Hag Moth Asian Subterranean Termite
Scientific Name Phobetron pithecium Coptotermes gestroi
Order Lepidoptera Blattodea
Family Limacodidae Rhinotermitidae
Size 20-28 mm wingspan 3-6 mm
Habitat Orchards Caves
Diet Wood Feeders Wood Feeders
Regions Eastern North America Southeast Asia, Caribbean, South America, Florida
Conservation Least Concern Not Evaluated

Hag Moth

A furry brown moth whose larva is called the monkey slug due to its bizarre shape with curly fleshy lateral projections. The caterpillar looks nothing like a typical lepidopteran larva.

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Did You Know?

The caterpillar's curly brown appendages are thought to mimic a shed tarantula skin to deter predators.

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.