Exploding Termite vs Baldani Cave Springtail
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Exploding Termite | Baldani Cave Springtail |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Neocapritermes taracua | Protaphorura baldanii |
| Order | Blattodea | Collembola |
| Family | Termitidae | Onychiuridae |
| Size | 4-6 mm | 0.8-1.2 mm |
| Habitat | Caves | Caves |
| Diet | Omnivores | Detritivores |
| Regions | French Guiana, northern South America | Italy |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Data Deficient |
Exploding Termite
A soil-feeding termite from French Guiana known for workers that carry backpack-like pouches of toxic crystals. When attacked, older workers rupture these pouches to release a sticky, toxic substance. This is the first documented case of worker autothysis in termites.
Did You Know?
Older workers develop blue crystal backpacks on their abdomens that become more toxic with age, essentially turning elderly workers into walking chemical weapons.
Baldani Cave Springtail
A cave-adapted springtail from Italy with no pigmentation and no functional eyes. It was recently described as new to science from Italian caves.
Did You Know?
It belongs to one of the most species-rich genera of blind springtails.