Dark Mound Termite vs Snapping Termite

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Dark Mound Termite Snapping Termite
Scientific Name Macrotermes carbonarius Termes hospes
Order Blattodea Blattodea
Family Termitidae Termitidae
Size 5–12 mm 4-6 mm
Habitat Woodlands Forests
Diet Fungus Feeders Root Feeders
Regions Southeast Asia West Africa, Central Africa
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.

Snapping Termite

An African soil-feeding termite common in forest and savanna soils. Soldiers possess powerful snapping mandibles that can inflict painful bites. Colonies are subterranean and contribute significantly to soil processing.

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Did You Know?

The snapping mandibles of soldiers work like loaded springs, storing elastic energy that is released in a rapid strike capable of killing ant attackers.