Denticulate Soldier Beetle vs Nigerian Snouted Termite

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Denticulate Soldier Beetle Nigerian Snouted Termite
Scientific Name Silis percomis Trinervitermes oeconomus
Order Coleoptera Blattodea
Family Cantharidae Termitidae
Size 5-8 mm 4-5 mm
Habitat Grasslands Grasslands
Diet Pollen Feeders Omnivores
Regions Central North America West Africa, from Senegal to Nigeria
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Denticulate Soldier Beetle

A small, rarely noticed soldier beetle found in grasslands of the midwestern United States. Males have distinctive tooth-like projections on their antennae.

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Did You Know?

The serrated antennae of males are unique among North American soldier beetles and aid in detecting pheromones.

Nigerian Snouted Termite

A grass-harvesting nasute termite found across West African savannas, building small dome-shaped mounds. Colonies play a significant ecological role in grass decomposition and nutrient cycling. Workers form organized foraging columns.

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Did You Know?

A single colony can harvest over 60 kg of grass per year, making this species one of the most important herbivores in West African grasslands.