Zebra Swallowtail vs Tropical Rough-headed Drywood Termite

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Zebra Swallowtail Tropical Rough-headed Drywood Termite
Scientific Name Eurytides marcellus Cryptotermes dudleyi
Order Lepidoptera Blattodea
Family Papilionidae Kalotermitidae
Size 64-100 mm wingspan Workers 4-5 mm, soldiers 4-5 mm
Habitat Woodlands Woodlands
Diet Omnivores Wood Feeders
Regions Eastern United States Pantropical (Africa, Asia, Pacific Islands)
Conservation Least Concern Not Evaluated

Zebra Swallowtail

A pale greenish-white swallowtail with bold black stripes and very long hindwing tails. Its striking zebra-like pattern makes it one of the most recognizable North American butterflies.

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Did You Know?

Spring-emerging individuals have shorter tails and darker markings than the larger, paler summer generation.

Tropical Rough-headed Drywood Termite

A pantropical drywood termite that infests dead wood and structural timber. Soldiers have a distinctive rough, phragmotic head used to block nest tunnels.

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Did You Know?

Soldiers use their plug-shaped heads to physically block tunnel entrances, preventing ant invasions.