Pacific Dampwood Termite vs Bush Giant Dragonfly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Pacific Dampwood Termite Bush Giant Dragonfly
Scientific Name Zootermopsis laticeps Uropetala carovei
Order Blattodea Odonata
Family Archotermopsidae Petaluridae
Size 12-18mm 80-90 mm body length, 130 mm wingspan
Habitat Forests Forests
Diet Wood Feeders Omnivores
Regions North America Oceania (New Zealand)
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Pacific Dampwood Termite

A large termite with soldiers that have broad flattened heads and strong mandibles. It inhabits damp rotting wood in forests. Colonies are relatively small, typically under 4,000 individuals.

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Did You Know?

Soldiers vibrate their heads against tunnel walls to create alarm signals that warn the colony of danger.

Bush Giant Dragonfly

New Zealand's largest dragonfly and one of the most ancient dragonfly lineages in the world. Its larvae live in burrows in muddy seepages in native bush for several years. Adults patrol forest clearings and can be heard before they are seen due to their loud wing noise.

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Did You Know?

The larvae dig burrows in muddy hillsides and ambush prey from the entrance, spending up to seven years underground before emerging as adults.