Malagasy Drywood Termite vs Mediterranean Web Spinner

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Malagasy Drywood Termite Mediterranean Web Spinner
Scientific Name Cryptotermes kirbyi Embia ramburi
Order Blattodea Embioptera
Family Kalotermitidae Embiidae
Size 4-6 mm 8.0-13.0 mm
Habitat Woodlands Heathland
Diet Wood Feeders Wood Feeders
Regions Madagascar Europe, Africa
Conservation Least Concern Not Evaluated

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.

Mediterranean Web Spinner

A brownish web spinner found throughout the Mediterranean region under bark and stones. Females live communally in interconnected silk tunnels.

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Did You Know?

Females guard their eggs and young inside silk galleries, showing rare maternal care among non-social insects.