Powderpost Drywood Termite vs Wasp Nest Beetle

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Powderpost Drywood Termite Wasp Nest Beetle
Scientific Name Cryptotermes domesticus Metoecus paradoxus
Order Blattodea Coleoptera
Family Kalotermitidae Ripiphoridae
Size Workers 3-5 mm, soldiers 4-5 mm 8-12mm
Habitat Woodlands Woodlands
Diet Wood Feeders Parasitoids
Regions Tropical Asia, Pacific Islands Europe
Conservation Not Evaluated Least Concern

Powderpost Drywood Termite

A destructive drywood termite that reduces wood to a fine powder. It is a major pest of wooden structures across tropical Asia.

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Did You Know?

Infested timber can appear intact on the surface while being completely hollow and powder-filled inside.

Wasp Nest Beetle

A bizarre wedge-shaped beetle that develops as a parasitoid inside social wasp nests. Males have feathery antennae.

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Did You Know?

One of the most unusual beetles in Europe, spending its entire larval development inside live wasp nests.