European Dampwood Termite vs Sphaerotermes Mushroom-comb Termite

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute European Dampwood Termite Sphaerotermes Mushroom-comb Termite
Scientific Name Kalotermes flavicollis Sphaerotermes sphaerothorax
Order Blattodea Blattodea
Family Kalotermitidae Termitidae
Size 6–9 mm 3-5 mm
Habitat Grasslands Forests
Diet Wood Feeders Fungus Feeders
Regions Southern Europe, North Africa, Western Asia Central Africa, Congo Basin
Conservation Not Evaluated Least Concern

European Dampwood Termite

The most widespread termite in Europe, inhabiting dead branches of oaks and other broadleaf trees. Colonies are small, typically with a few hundred individuals.

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Did You Know?

It is the only termite native to most of Europe and has been known since Aristotle first described termites.

Sphaerotermes Mushroom-comb Termite

An African fungus-growing termite with a unique fungus cultivation strategy. Unlike other fungiculturists that grow Termitomyces, this species cultivates a different lineage of fungus. Colonies build subterranean nests in tropical forest soils.

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Did You Know?

This is the only termite genus known to independently evolved fungus farming using a different fungal partner than the widespread Termitomyces association.