Mottled Longhorn Beetle vs European Subterranean Termite

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Mottled Longhorn Beetle European Subterranean Termite
Scientific Name Ceroplesis aethiops Reticulitermes lucifugus
Order Coleoptera Blattodea
Family Cerambycidae Rhinotermitidae
Size 25-45 mm Workers 3-5 mm, soldiers 4-6 mm
Habitat Underground Caves
Diet Wood Feeders Wood Feeders
Regions East Africa (Kenya, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Uganda) Southern Europe (Mediterranean region)
Conservation Least Concern Not Evaluated

Mottled Longhorn Beetle

A large longhorn beetle with mottled gray and black patterning that provides excellent camouflage on tree bark. Its antennae can be longer than its body.

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Did You Know?

Females chew a ring around tree branches to lay eggs, which causes the branch to die and provide ideal conditions for larval development.

European Subterranean Termite

The most widespread subterranean termite in southern Europe. It damages wooden structures and historical buildings across the Mediterranean.

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Did You Know?

Its species name lucifugus means light-fleeing, referring to its strictly underground habit.