Scarce Stag Beetle vs Pacific Dampwood Termite

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Scarce Stag Beetle Pacific Dampwood Termite
Scientific Name Platycerus caraboides Zootermopsis laticeps
Order Coleoptera Blattodea
Family Lucanidae Archotermopsidae
Size 9-13mm 12-18mm
Habitat Woodlands Forests
Diet Wood Feeders Wood Feeders
Regions Europe North America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Scarce Stag Beetle

A small metallic blue-black stag beetle with modest mandibles. It develops in red-rotten beech wood.

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Did You Know?

Despite being called scarce it is actually fairly common but overlooked due to its small size and dark coloring.

Pacific Dampwood Termite

A large termite with soldiers that have broad flattened heads and strong mandibles. It inhabits damp rotting wood in forests. Colonies are relatively small, typically under 4,000 individuals.

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Did You Know?

Soldiers vibrate their heads against tunnel walls to create alarm signals that warn the colony of danger.