Tube-building Desert Termite vs Water Scorpion
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Tube-building Desert Termite | Water Scorpion |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Gnathamitermes perplexus | Nepa cinerea |
| Order | Blattodea | Hemiptera |
| Family | Termitidae | Nepidae |
| Size | 3-5 mm | 18-22 mm |
| Habitat | Deserts & Drylands | Ponds & Lakes |
| Diet | Omnivores | Omnivores |
| Regions | Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, northern Mexico | Europe, Asia |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Tube-building Desert Termite
A desert termite found in the southwestern United States that builds distinctive mud tubes and soil sheeting over grass and debris. Workers are active at the surface after rains. The species is an important decomposer in desert ecosystems.
Did You Know?
This termite is responsible for decomposing a significant proportion of the dead grass in desert grasslands, playing a role comparable to earthworms in temperate ecosystems.
Water Scorpion
A flat aquatic bug that lurks in shallow water resembling a dead leaf. It breathes through a long tail-like siphon that breaks the water surface.
Did You Know?
Despite its name and scorpion-like raptorial forelegs, the water scorpion is a weak swimmer and instead ambushes prey from vegetation.