Long-jawed Desert Termite vs Western Drywood Termite
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Long-jawed Desert Termite | Western Drywood Termite |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Psammotermes hybostoma | Incisitermes minor |
| Order | Blattodea | Blattodea |
| Family | Rhinotermitidae | Kalotermitidae |
| Size | 5-8 mm | 4-11 mm |
| Habitat | Deserts & Drylands | Caves |
| Diet | Root Feeders | Wood Feeders |
| Regions | North Africa, Sahara, Middle East | Western United States, Northern Mexico |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Not Evaluated |
Long-jawed Desert Termite
A sand-dwelling termite found across the Sahara and arid North Africa, uniquely adapted to life in loose desert sands. Colonies build nests in sandy soil without constructing permanent mounds. Workers forage underground for buried plant debris.
Did You Know?
This species can locate and exploit tiny fragments of buried vegetation in apparently barren sand, detecting wood through vibrations in the soil.
Western Drywood Termite
A common drywood termite of the western United States that infests structural timbers and furniture. Unlike subterranean species, they require no soil contact.
Did You Know?
Their dry fecal pellets, pushed out of tiny kick-out holes, are often the first visible sign of an infestation.