Queensland Cathedral Termite vs Drywood Termite

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Queensland Cathedral Termite Drywood Termite
Scientific Name Nasutitermes magnus Cryptotermes brevis
Order Blattodea Blattodea
Family Termitidae Kalotermitidae
Size 5-7 mm 4-7 mm
Habitat Grasslands Indoors
Diet Wood Feeders Wood Feeders
Regions Tropical Queensland, Australia North America, South America, Central America, Africa, Oceania
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Queensland Cathedral Termite

A large Australian nasute termite that constructs impressive cathedral-like mounds in tropical Queensland. Mounds are tall and narrow with multiple turrets and spires. Colonies can persist for many decades.

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Did You Know?

The cathedral mounds of this species are some of the most architecturally ornate in Australia, with elaborate buttresses and turrets.

Drywood Termite

A small termite that lives entirely within dry wood without needing contact with soil. It forms small colonies inside furniture, structural timbers, and dead branches.

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Did You Know?

Drywood termites produce distinctive hexagonal fecal pellets that they kick out of tiny holes in wood, often the first sign of their presence.