Powderpost Beetle vs Dark Southern Subterranean Termite

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Powderpost Beetle Dark Southern Subterranean Termite
Scientific Name Lyctus brunneus Reticulitermes virginicus
Order Coleoptera Blattodea
Family Bostrichidae Rhinotermitidae
Size 3-7 mm Workers 3-4 mm, soldiers 4-5 mm
Habitat Indoors Caves
Diet Wood Feeders Wood Feeders
Regions Worldwide Southeastern United States
Conservation Not Evaluated Not Evaluated

Powderpost Beetle

A small, slender reddish-brown beetle that reduces hardwood timber to fine powder. It is a significant pest of furniture and flooring.

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Did You Know?

Infested wood can be completely hollowed out while the exterior appears perfectly intact.

Dark Southern Subterranean Termite

A common subterranean termite in the southeastern United States. It is smaller and less destructive than the eastern subterranean termite but still causes significant damage.

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Did You Know?

It often coexists with the eastern subterranean termite, with both species found in the same logs.