Iberian Subterranean Termite vs Speyer's Cave Beetle
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Iberian Subterranean Termite | Speyer's Cave Beetle |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Reticulitermes grassei | Aphaobius milleri |
| Order | Blattodea | Coleoptera |
| Family | Rhinotermitidae | Leiodidae |
| Size | 4-5 mm | 3-5 mm |
| Habitat | Caves | Caves |
| Diet | Gall Makers | Detritivores |
| Regions | Spain, Portugal, southwestern France | Austria, Slovenia |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Iberian Subterranean Termite
A subterranean termite found in the Iberian Peninsula and southwestern France. Colonies build underground galleries in soil and infest wooden structures. The species is of growing economic concern in southern Europe.
Did You Know?
This species has been found infesting ancient Roman ruins and medieval castles across Iberia, slowly destroying irreplaceable archaeological timbers.
Speyer's Cave Beetle
A troglobitic beetle endemic to caves in the eastern Alps. It has a convex body shape and completely lacks eyes.
Did You Know?
It can tolerate near-freezing temperatures in high-altitude caves.