African Dampwood Termite vs Tricolored Fungus Rove Beetle
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | African Dampwood Termite | Tricolored Fungus Rove Beetle |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Neotermes aburiensis | Lordithon trinotatus |
| Order | Blattodea | Coleoptera |
| Family | Kalotermitidae | Staphylinidae |
| Size | 5-10 mm | 4-6 mm |
| Habitat | Woodlands | Woodlands |
| Diet | Wood Feeders | Predators |
| Regions | West Africa (Ghana, Nigeria, Ivory Coast, Cameroon) | Europe, Western Siberia |
| 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.
Tricolored Fungus Rove Beetle
A small, attractively patterned rove beetle with three dark spots on yellowish elytra, found exclusively on fungi. It is a specialist predator within the micro-ecosystem of decaying mushrooms.
Did You Know?
This beetle can detect the volatile chemicals produced by decomposing fungi from over 100 meters away.