Subterranean Termite vs Speculitermes Inquiline
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Subterranean Termite | Speculitermes Inquiline |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Reticulitermes flavipes | Speculitermes cyclops |
| Order | Blattodea | Blattodea |
| Family | Rhinotermitidae | Termitidae |
| Size | 4-8 mm | 2-4 mm |
| Habitat | Underground | Woodlands |
| Diet | Wood Feeders | Omnivores |
| Regions | North America | India, Sri Lanka |
| 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.
Speculitermes Inquiline
A small soil-feeding termite from India that is notable for being an inquiline, living within the mounds of larger termite species. Workers are pale and blind, feeding on organic soil within the host mound. Colonies are small and inconspicuous.
Did You Know?
This termite is a mound parasite, secretly living inside the walls of other termites' nests and feeding on soil without the host colony apparently noticing.