Dark Mound Termite vs Red-spotted Jewel Beetle

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Dark Mound Termite Red-spotted Jewel Beetle
Scientific Name Macrotermes carbonarius Castiarina erythroptera
Order Blattodea Coleoptera
Family Termitidae Buprestidae
Size 5–12 mm 10-16 mm
Habitat Woodlands Woodlands
Diet Fungus Feeders Nectar Feeders
Regions Southeast Asia Australia, Oceania
Conservation Not Evaluated Least Concern

Dark Mound Termite

A large fungus-growing termite found across Southeast Asia that builds conspicuous dark mounds. Workers process dead wood through underground fungal gardens.

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Did You Know?

The Termitomyces mushrooms that fruit from its mounds are prized as a delicacy across Southeast Asia.

Red-spotted Jewel Beetle

A strikingly beautiful jewel beetle with bright red elytra spotted with dark markings. It is commonly found visiting wildflowers in heathland and open woodland habitats during spring and summer.

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Did You Know?

Castiarina jewel beetles are important pollinators of native Australian wildflowers, visiting hundreds of flower species.