African Nasute Mound Termite vs Royal Goliath Beetle

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute African Nasute Mound Termite Royal Goliath Beetle
Scientific Name Nasutitermes latifrons Goliathus regius
Order Blattodea Coleoptera
Family Termitidae Scarabaeidae
Size 4-6 mm 50-100 mm
Habitat Forests Forests
Diet Wood Feeders Sap Feeders
Regions West Africa, Central Africa West Africa (Ghana, Ivory Coast, Guinea)
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.

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Did You Know?

The defensive secretion of nasute soldiers contains terpene compounds that are not only sticky but also toxic to small arthropod predators.

Royal Goliath Beetle

A massive scarab beetle with bold white and brown markings on its elytra. Males have a forked horn used in combat with rivals.

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Did You Know?

Despite their bulk, royal goliath beetles are strong fliers and can take off rapidly when disturbed.