Light-colored Subterranean Termite vs Western Subterranean Termite
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Light-colored Subterranean Termite | Western Subterranean Termite |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Heterotermes aureus | Reticulitermes hesperus |
| Order | Blattodea | Blattodea |
| Family | Rhinotermitidae | Rhinotermitidae |
| Size | 4-6 mm | 4–8 mm |
| Habitat | Deserts & Drylands | Underground |
| Diet | Wood Feeders | Wood Feeders |
| Regions | Arizona, southern California, northwestern Mexico | Western North America |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Not Evaluated |
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.
Western Subterranean Termite
The most common structural pest termite in western North America. Colonies build extensive underground tunnel networks connecting to above-ground wood sources.
Did You Know?
A single colony can contain over one million individuals and forage across an area of half an acre.