Indo-Malaysian Drywood Termite vs Heterotermes Subterranean Termite

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Indo-Malaysian Drywood Termite Heterotermes Subterranean Termite
Scientific Name Cryptotermes cynocephalus Heterotermes indicola
Order Blattodea Blattodea
Family Kalotermitidae Rhinotermitidae
Size Workers 4-5 mm, soldiers 4-6 mm 4-6 mm
Habitat Indoors Caves
Diet Wood Feeders Wood Feeders
Regions Southeast Asia, Pacific Islands India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iran
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.

Heterotermes Subterranean Termite

A widespread subterranean termite in South Asia causing significant damage to wooden structures and living trees. Colonies are diffuse and can extend over large areas. Workers build mud tubes to reach above-ground food sources.

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Did You Know?

This species is the primary structural pest termite across much of the Indian subcontinent, rivaling the destructive capacity of Coptotermes species.