African Mound Termite vs Six-spined Engraver Beetle

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute African Mound Termite Six-spined Engraver Beetle
Scientific Name Macrotermes michaelseni Ips calligraphus
Order Blattodea Coleoptera
Family Termitidae Curculionidae (Scolytinae)
Size 7-12 mm workers 3.5–6.5 mm
Habitat Grasslands Forests
Diet Wood Feeders Wood Feeders
Regions Africa Eastern North America
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.

Six-spined Engraver Beetle

A pine-infesting bark beetle found across eastern North America. It is named for the six spine-like teeth on its rear wing covers.

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Did You Know?

Males excavate a nuptial chamber under the bark where they mate with up to four females.