Eri Silk Moth vs Mound-building Termite
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Eri Silk Moth | Mound-building Termite |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Samia ricini | Macrotermes gilvus |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Blattodea |
| Family | Saturniidae | Termitidae |
| Size | Wingspan 100-130 mm | 5-12 mm |
| Habitat | Farmland | Farmland |
| Diet | Herbivores | Fungus Feeders |
| Regions | India (Assam), China, Japan, Southeast Asia | Southeast Asia, from India to the Philippines |
| Conservation | Not Evaluated | Least Concern |
Eri Silk Moth
A large domesticated silk moth with chocolate-brown wings bearing crescent-shaped eyespots. It produces a durable white silk harvested without killing the pupa.
Did You Know?
It is the only fully domesticated silk moth whose silk can be harvested without killing the pupa inside the cocoon.
Mound-building Termite
A fungus-growing termite widespread across Southeast Asia that builds subterranean to semi-subterranean nests with low mound structures. It is a significant pest of rubber, coconut, and oil palm plantations. Workers forage via covered galleries.
Did You Know?
In parts of Thailand and Laos, the winged reproductives of this species are fried and eaten as a popular seasonal snack during the early rainy season.