Malagasy Drywood Termite vs Forest Caterpillar Hunter

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Malagasy Drywood Termite Forest Caterpillar Hunter
Scientific Name Cryptotermes kirbyi Calosoma sycophanta
Order Blattodea Coleoptera
Family Kalotermitidae Carabidae
Size 4-6 mm 25-35 mm
Habitat Woodlands Woodlands
Diet Wood Feeders Predators
Regions Madagascar Europe, North Africa; introduced to North America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Malagasy Drywood Termite

A small drywood termite that forms compact colonies inside dead branches and timber. Soldiers have distinctive phragmotic heads used to block tunnel entrances.

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Did You Know?

Soldiers use their heavily armored, plug-shaped heads as living barricades to block gallery entrances against invading ants.

Forest Caterpillar Hunter

A large, brilliant metallic green and gold ground beetle that climbs trees to hunt caterpillars. It was introduced to North America for gypsy moth biocontrol.

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Did You Know?

A single beetle can consume over 300 caterpillars during its larval and adult life.