Powder Post Termite vs Southern Flannel Moth
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Powder Post Termite | Southern Flannel Moth |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Cryptotermes primus | Megalopyge opercularis |
| Order | Blattodea | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Kalotermitidae | Megalopygidae |
| Size | 4-6 mm | 25-36 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Woodlands | Woodlands |
| Diet | Wood Feeders | Omnivores |
| Regions | Northern and eastern Australia | Southeastern United States, Central America |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Powder Post Termite
An Australian drywood termite that infests dry structural timber in buildings across tropical and subtropical regions. Colonies are small and produce fine frass pellets that are ejected from the wood. The species rarely requires soil contact.
Did You Know?
Infestations often go unnoticed for years until structural timber is so weakened that it collapses, because workers consume wood from the inside out.
Southern Flannel Moth
A fluffy moth covered in cream to orange-brown fur-like scales. Its larva, called the puss caterpillar, is covered in soft-looking hair that conceals venomous spines.
Did You Know?
The puss caterpillar is considered the most venomous caterpillar in North America, with stings requiring medical attention.