African Nasute Mound Termite vs Tessellated Stick Insect

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute African Nasute Mound Termite Tessellated Stick Insect
Scientific Name Nasutitermes latifrons Tessulata tessulata
Order Blattodea Phasmatodea
Family Termitidae Lonchodidae
Size 4-6 mm 60-80mm
Habitat Forests Forests
Diet Wood Feeders Herbivores
Regions West Africa, Central Africa Asia
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.

Tessellated Stick Insect

A brown patterned stick insect covered in tessellated scale-like markings that resemble rough bark. Its legs are flattened and bark-like. It is a nocturnal feeder that remains motionless during the day.

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Did You Know?

Its unique tessellated pattern looks like interlocking tiles of bark, a camouflage strategy unlike any other stick insect.