African Mound Termite vs Indian Subterranean Termite

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute African Mound Termite Indian Subterranean Termite
Scientific Name Macrotermes michaelseni Coptotermes heimi
Order Blattodea Blattodea
Family Termitidae Rhinotermitidae
Size 7-12 mm workers Workers 3-5 mm, soldiers 5-6 mm
Habitat Grasslands Farmland
Diet Wood Feeders Wood Feeders
Regions Africa India, Pakistan, Middle East
Conservation Least Concern Not Evaluated

African Mound Termite

A large termite species that builds towering mounds with sophisticated ventilation systems across African savannas. The mounds maintain remarkably stable internal conditions.

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Did You Know?

The ventilation system in these termite mounds inspired the design of the Eastgate Centre in Harare, Zimbabwe, a building that uses 90 percent less energy for climate control than conventional buildings.

Indian Subterranean Termite

A destructive subterranean termite common across the Indian subcontinent. It attacks wooden structures, crops, and living trees.

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Did You Know?

It is responsible for more structural damage in India than any other single insect species.