Indo-Malaysian Drywood Termite vs Desert Termite

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Indo-Malaysian Drywood Termite Desert Termite
Scientific Name Cryptotermes cynocephalus Gnathamitermes tubiformans
Order Blattodea Blattodea
Family Kalotermitidae Termitidae
Size Workers 4-5 mm, soldiers 4-6 mm 4-7 mm
Habitat Indoors Deserts & Drylands
Diet Wood Feeders Dung Feeders
Regions Southeast Asia, Pacific Islands North America
Conservation Not Evaluated Least Concern

Indo-Malaysian Drywood Termite

A drywood termite native to Southeast Asia that infests structural wood and furniture. It has spread across the Pacific through timber trade.

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Did You Know?

Its species name cynocephalus means dog-headed, referring to the shape of the soldier's head.

Desert Termite

A subterranean termite that builds mud tubes over dead grass and cow dung in desert environments. It plays a critical role in nutrient cycling in arid ecosystems.

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Did You Know?

Its mud tubes, called galleries, can cover entire dead grass plants overnight after a desert rainstorm.