Western Subterranean Termite vs Pale-winged Barklouse

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Western Subterranean Termite Pale-winged Barklouse
Scientific Name Reticulitermes hesperus Peripsocus phaeopterus
Order Blattodea Psocoptera
Family Rhinotermitidae Peripsocidae
Size 4–8 mm 2-3 mm
Habitat Underground Forests
Diet Wood Feeders Wood Feeders
Regions Western North America Europe
Conservation Not Evaluated Least Concern

Western Subterranean Termite

The most common structural pest termite in western North America. Colonies build extensive underground tunnel networks connecting to above-ground wood sources.

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Did You Know?

A single colony can contain over one million individuals and forage across an area of half an acre.

Pale-winged Barklouse

A common European bark louse with smoky brown wings. It lives on tree trunks where it scrapes algae and lichen from the bark.

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Did You Know?

Females guard their egg clusters on tree bark until they hatch.