Compass Termite vs Tumulitermes Mound Termite
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Compass Termite | Tumulitermes Mound Termite |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Amitermes laurensis | Tumulitermes pastinator |
| Order | Blattodea | Blattodea |
| Family | Termitidae | Termitidae |
| Size | 4-6mm | 3-5 mm |
| Habitat | Grasslands | Grasslands |
| Diet | Herbivores | Omnivores |
| Regions | Oceania | Northern Australia |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Compass Termite
A termite that builds wedge-shaped mounds oriented east-west, exposing the broad face to the morning and evening sun. This orientation helps regulate internal temperature. Mounds dot the Cape York landscape.
Did You Know?
Its mound orientation is the opposite of the magnetic termite, with the broad face pointing east-west.
Tumulitermes Mound Termite
An Australian grass-harvesting termite that builds small columnar mounds in tropical savannas. Workers forage in open columns to harvest grass during cooler parts of the day. Nasute soldiers protect the foraging parties from ant attacks.
Did You Know?
This species times its foraging precisely to avoid the heat of the day, emerging in synchronized mass foraging events at dawn and dusk.