Exploding Termite vs Lamani Spiral-nest Termite
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Exploding Termite | Lamani Spiral-nest Termite |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Neocapritermes taracua | Apicotermes lamani |
| Order | Blattodea | Blattodea |
| Family | Termitidae | Termitidae |
| Size | 4-6 mm | 3-5 mm |
| Habitat | Caves | Forests |
| Diet | Omnivores | Omnivores |
| Regions | French Guiana, northern South America | Central Africa |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
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.
Lamani Spiral-nest Termite
A subterranean soil-feeding termite known for its remarkably structured underground nests in Central African forests. The nests contain multiple levels connected by helical ramps. Colonies are small to moderate in size with highly specialized worker castes.
Did You Know?
When cross-sectioned, the nest reveals a honeycomb-like pattern of chambers connected by perfectly proportioned spiral corridors, built entirely by blind workers.