Conehead Termite vs Ivory Coast Fungus Termite

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Conehead Termite Ivory Coast Fungus Termite
Scientific Name Nasutitermes ephratae Macrotermes mülleri
Order Blattodea Blattodea
Family Termitidae Termitidae
Size 3-6 mm 5-13 mm
Habitat Woodlands Forests
Diet Wood Feeders Detritivores
Regions Central America, Northern South America, Caribbean West Africa, Central 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.

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Did You Know?

An invasive population discovered in Florida in 2001 prompted a multimillion-dollar eradication campaign due to their destructive foraging.

Ivory Coast Fungus Termite

A large fungus-growing species found in the humid forests of West and Central Africa. Colonies construct partially subterranean nests with above-ground mound structures. Workers collect leaf litter from the forest floor for their fungus gardens.

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Did You Know?

This species creates covered foraging trails that can extend over 50 meters from the nest to protect workers from predators and desiccation.