Black Mound Termite vs Malaccensis Fungus Termite

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Black Mound Termite Malaccensis Fungus Termite
Scientific Name Amitermes evuncifer Macrotermes malaccensis
Order Blattodea Blattodea
Family Termitidae Termitidae
Size 3-8 mm 5-14 mm
Habitat Grasslands Forests
Diet Omnivores Fungus Feeders
Regions West Africa (Nigeria, Ghana, Senegal, Ivory Coast) Peninsular Malaysia, Sumatra, Borneo
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Black Mound Termite

A soil-feeding termite that builds small dark mounds in West African savannas. Workers process soil organic matter and play an important role in nutrient cycling. Colonies are smaller than Macrotermes species.

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Did You Know?

These termites process so much soil that they are considered ecosystem engineers, significantly altering soil structure and fertility.

Malaccensis Fungus Termite

A large mound-building fungus termite found in the rainforests of peninsular Malaysia and Borneo. Colonies construct prominent earthen mounds up to 2 meters tall on the forest floor. Workers are dimorphic with major and minor size classes.

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Did You Know?

The mounds serve as critical habitat for many other species, including snakes, geckos, and beetles that nest in the stable temperature and humidity of the termite mound.