Light-colored Subterranean Termite vs Turneri Carton Termite
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Light-colored Subterranean Termite | Turneri Carton Termite |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Heterotermes aureus | Microcerotermes turneri |
| Order | Blattodea | Blattodea |
| Family | Rhinotermitidae | Termitidae |
| Size | 4-6 mm | 3-5 mm |
| Habitat | Deserts & Drylands | Forests |
| Diet | Wood Feeders | Wood Feeders |
| Regions | Arizona, southern California, northwestern Mexico | Northern and eastern Australia |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Light-colored Subterranean Termite
A desert-adapted subterranean termite common in the Sonoran Desert of the southwestern United States and Mexico. Colonies build extensive underground tunnel systems and infest structural wood. Workers are pale golden-yellow in color.
Did You Know?
This is the most common structural pest termite in the Sonoran Desert region, thriving in one of the hottest and driest environments inhabited by any termite.
Turneri Carton Termite
An Australian arboreal termite that builds small, round carton nests on the trunks of eucalyptus trees. Colonies are small to medium-sized. Workers consume weathered and partially decayed wood.
Did You Know?
The nests are surprisingly hard and durable, persisting on trees for years after the colony has vacated, and are sometimes used by other insects as shelter.