African Nasute Mound Termite vs Madagascar Tortoise Beetle
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | African Nasute Mound Termite | Madagascar Tortoise Beetle |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Nasutitermes latifrons | Aspidimorpha furcata |
| Order | Blattodea | Coleoptera |
| Family | Termitidae | Chrysomelidae |
| Size | 4-6 mm | 8-12 mm |
| Habitat | Forests | Forests |
| Diet | Wood Feeders | Herbivores |
| Regions | West Africa, Central Africa | Madagascar |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
African Nasute Mound Termite
A mound-building nasute termite found in West and Central African forests. Colonies construct carton mounds at ground level or on tree bases. Soldiers have a broad head with a short, wide nasute projection for spraying defensive terpenes.
Did You Know?
The defensive secretion of nasute soldiers contains terpene compounds that are not only sticky but also toxic to small arthropod predators.
Madagascar Tortoise Beetle
A rounded, dome-shaped beetle with transparent margins around the elytra that make it look like a tiny tortoise shell. The center of the shell often displays metallic gold or green coloration.
Did You Know?
The golden coloration fades after death, as it depends on a thin layer of moisture beneath the cuticle that dries out in preserved specimens.