Tropical Rough-headed Termite vs Drywood Termite
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Tropical Rough-headed Termite | Drywood Termite |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Heterotermes tenuis | Cryptotermes brevis |
| Order | Blattodea | Blattodea |
| Family | Rhinotermitidae | Kalotermitidae |
| Size | 4-5 mm | 4-7 mm |
| Habitat | Caves | Indoors |
| Diet | Gall Makers | Wood Feeders |
| Regions | Brazil, South America | North America, South America, Central America, Africa, Oceania |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Tropical Rough-headed Termite
A Neotropical subterranean termite and significant sugarcane pest in Brazil. Colonies are diffuse with interconnected subterranean galleries. Workers attack the roots and lower stems of sugarcane plants, often killing them.
Did You Know?
This species causes estimated losses of over $1 billion annually to the Brazilian sugarcane industry, making it one of the most economically damaging insects in South America.
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.
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.