African Dampwood Termite vs Acacia Thrips

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute African Dampwood Termite Acacia Thrips
Scientific Name Neotermes aburiensis Kladothrips waterhousei
Order Blattodea Thysanoptera
Family Kalotermitidae Phlaeothripidae
Size 5-10 mm 1.5-2.5 mm
Habitat Woodlands Woodlands
Diet Wood Feeders Gall Makers
Regions West Africa (Ghana, Nigeria, Ivory Coast, Cameroon) Oceania
Conservation Least Concern Not Evaluated

African Dampwood Termite

A primitive termite species that nests inside damp, rotting wood rather than building external mounds. Colonies are relatively small compared to mound-building species. Soldiers have large phragmotic heads used to block tunnel entrances.

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Did You Know?

Soldiers use their flattened heads like a cork to plug tunnel openings, providing an impenetrable barrier against ant raids.

Acacia Thrips

An Australian gall-inducing thrips that creates enclosed galls on Acacia phyllodes. It exhibits a soldier caste that defends the gall.

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Did You Know?

This thrips has evolved a soldier caste with enlarged forelegs, making it one of the few eusocial insect lineages outside Hymenoptera.