Exploding Termite vs Rock Caddisfly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Exploding Termite | Rock Caddisfly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Neocapritermes taracua | Goera calcarata |
| Order | Blattodea | Trichoptera |
| Family | Termitidae | Goeridae |
| Size | 4-6 mm | 8-12 mm |
| Habitat | Caves | Rivers & Streams |
| Diet | Omnivores | Omnivores |
| Regions | French Guiana, northern South America | Europe |
| 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.
Rock Caddisfly
A caddisfly of limestone streams whose cases incorporate calcareous sand grains and pebble ballast. Larvae scrape algae from rock surfaces.
Did You Know?
The calcareous case material provides partial camouflage against the pale limestone streambed.