Subterranean Termite vs Magpie Moth
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Subterranean Termite | Magpie Moth |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Reticulitermes flavipes | Abraxas grossulariata |
| Order | Blattodea | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Rhinotermitidae | Geometridae |
| Size | 4-8 mm | 38-48 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Underground | Underground |
| Diet | Wood Feeders | Omnivores |
| Regions | North America | Europe, temperate Asia |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Subterranean Termite
The most economically destructive termite species in North America, living in underground colonies that can number in the millions. Workers forage through soil to reach wood.
Did You Know?
Eastern subterranean termites cause an estimated five billion dollars in property damage annually in the United States alone.
Magpie Moth
A conspicuous white moth with bold black spots and an orange-yellow band across the wings. It played a historic role in the discovery of sex-linked inheritance.
Did You Know?
Leonard Doncaster's experiments on this moth in 1906 provided early evidence for sex-linked genetics.