Neotropical Tiger Longhorn vs Dark Southern Drywood Termite

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Neotropical Tiger Longhorn Dark Southern Drywood Termite
Scientific Name Megacyllene acuta Cryptotermes cavifrons
Order Coleoptera Blattodea
Family Cerambycidae Kalotermitidae
Size 12-22 mm 4-7 mm
Habitat Grasslands Woodlands
Diet Wood Feeders Wood Feeders
Regions Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay, Bolivia Southeastern United States, Caribbean
Conservation Least Concern Not Evaluated

Neotropical Tiger Longhorn

A wasp-mimicking cerambycid from South America with bold yellow chevron markings on a black body. It breeds in dead branches of leguminous trees. Adults are diurnal flower visitors with quick, jerky movements.

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Did You Know?

The yellow-and-black banding closely mimics aggressive neotropical wasps, providing effective protection from predators.

Dark Southern Drywood Termite

A native drywood termite of the southeastern United States and Caribbean. They infest hardwoods and are commonly found in dead tree branches and stumps.

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Did You Know?

Their soldiers use their uniquely roughened heads to block gallery entrances with a sandpaper-like grip.