Red Earth Termite vs Powderpost Drywood Termite

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Red Earth Termite Powderpost Drywood Termite
Scientific Name Odontotermes formosanus Cryptotermes domesticus
Order Blattodea Blattodea
Family Termitidae Kalotermitidae
Size 4-8 mm Workers 3-5 mm, soldiers 4-5 mm
Habitat Farmland Woodlands
Diet Fungus Feeders Wood Feeders
Regions China, Taiwan, Japan, Southeast Asia Tropical Asia, Pacific Islands
Conservation Least Concern Not Evaluated

Red Earth Termite

A widespread fungus-growing termite in East and Southeast Asia that is a major structural and agricultural pest. Colonies build diffuse subterranean nests with scattered fungus chambers. Workers are pale and forage underground through extensive tunnel systems.

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Did You Know?

This termite can destroy wooden buildings from the inside out, often going undetected until the damage is severe because they leave the outer surface intact.

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.