Powder Post Termite vs Tropical Rough-headed Termite
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Powder Post Termite | Tropical Rough-headed Termite |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Cryptotermes primus | Heterotermes tenuis |
| Order | Blattodea | Blattodea |
| Family | Kalotermitidae | Rhinotermitidae |
| Size | 4-6 mm | 4-5 mm |
| Habitat | Woodlands | Caves |
| Diet | Wood Feeders | Gall Makers |
| Regions | Northern and eastern Australia | Brazil, South 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.
Tropical Rough-headed Termite
A Neotropical subterranean termite and significant sugarcane pest in Brazil. Colonies are diffuse with interconnected subterranean galleries. Workers attack the roots and lower stems of sugarcane plants, often killing them.
Did You Know?
This species causes estimated losses of over $1 billion annually to the Brazilian sugarcane industry, making it one of the most economically damaging insects in South America.