South American Locust vs Desert Amitermes
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | South American Locust | Desert Amitermes |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Schistocerca cancellata | Amitermes wheeleri |
| Order | Orthoptera | Blattodea |
| Family | Acrididae | Termitidae |
| Size | 45-65 mm | 3-5 mm |
| Habitat | Deserts & Drylands | Deserts & Drylands |
| Diet | Herbivores | Detritivores |
| Regions | Argentina, Bolivia, Paraguay, Uruguay | Southwestern United States, Mexico |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
South American Locust
A major swarming locust of South America closely related to the desert locust. It periodically forms devastating swarms across Argentina, Bolivia, and Paraguay.
Did You Know?
After decades of suppression, this species made an unexpected resurgence in Argentina in 2015, forming swarms not seen since the 1950s.
Desert Amitermes
A desert-adapted termite found in the arid regions of the southwestern United States and Mexico. Colonies build subterranean nests and forage on dead plant material. Workers seal foraging holes with soil during the heat of the day.
Did You Know?
This species is one of the few termites adapted to extreme desert conditions, foraging on the surface at night when temperatures drop and humidity rises.