African Harvester Termite vs Red-bordered Metalmark
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | African Harvester Termite | Red-bordered Metalmark |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Microhodotermes viator | Caria ino |
| Order | Blattodea | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Hodotermitidae | Riodinidae |
| Size | 6-10 mm | 28-35 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Heathland | Heathland |
| Diet | Herbivores | Omnivores |
| Regions | Western Cape, South Africa | South Texas through Mexico and Central America |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
African Harvester Termite
A harvester termite found in the fynbos and semi-arid regions of the Western Cape in South Africa. Workers have pigmented eyes and forage on the surface for grass and plant material. Colonies build subterranean nests with extensive tunnel systems.
Did You Know?
This species creates 'heuweltjies' (small mounds) in the fynbos landscape that are visible in satellite imagery and may persist for thousands of years.
Red-bordered Metalmark
A dark metalmark butterfly with bright red-orange borders along the wing edges and metallic blue-green scaling at the wing bases. It perches with wings spread flat.
Did You Know?
Males are fiercely territorial, perching on sunlit leaf surfaces and darting out at any passing insect.