Conehead Termite vs African Harvester Termite
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Conehead Termite | African Harvester Termite |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Nasutitermes ephratae | Microhodotermes viator |
| Order | Blattodea | Blattodea |
| Family | Termitidae | Hodotermitidae |
| Size | 3-6 mm | 6-10 mm |
| Habitat | Woodlands | Heathland |
| Diet | Wood Feeders | Herbivores |
| Regions | Central America, Northern South America, Caribbean | Western Cape, South Africa |
| Conservation | Not Evaluated | Least Concern |
Conehead Termite
A nasute termite of Central America that builds conspicuous dark nests on tree trunks. Soldiers have elongated cone-shaped heads used to spray chemical defenses.
Did You Know?
An invasive population discovered in Florida in 2001 prompted a multimillion-dollar eradication campaign due to their destructive foraging.
African Harvester Termite
A harvester termite found in the fynbos and semi-arid regions of the Western Cape in South Africa. Workers have pigmented eyes and forage on the surface for grass and plant material. Colonies build subterranean nests with extensive tunnel systems.
Did You Know?
This species creates 'heuweltjies' (small mounds) in the fynbos landscape that are visible in satellite imagery and may persist for thousands of years.