African Dampwood Termite vs Long-winged Fungus Gnat
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | African Dampwood Termite | Long-winged Fungus Gnat |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Neotermes aburiensis | Macrocera stigma |
| Order | Blattodea | Diptera |
| Family | Kalotermitidae | Mycetophilidae |
| Size | 5-10 mm | 5-8 mm |
| Habitat | Woodlands | Woodlands |
| Diet | Wood Feeders | Predators |
| Regions | West Africa (Ghana, Nigeria, Ivory Coast, Cameroon) | Europe |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
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.
Did You Know?
Soldiers use their flattened heads like a cork to plug tunnel openings, providing an impenetrable barrier against ant raids.
Long-winged Fungus Gnat
A delicate fungus gnat with unusually long antennae and slender patterned wings. It is often found in shaded damp woodland where it hunts small insects.
Did You Know?
Some Macrocera species have bioluminescent larvae, though less spectacularly than the cave glowworms.