Fiordland Cave Weta vs Exploding Termite
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Fiordland Cave Weta | Exploding Termite |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Pachyrhamma waitomoensis | Neocapritermes taracua |
| Order | Orthoptera | Blattodea |
| Family | Rhaphidophoridae | Termitidae |
| Size | 20-40 mm body, legs much longer | 4-6 mm |
| Habitat | Caves | Caves |
| Diet | Fungus Feeders | Omnivores |
| Regions | Oceania (New Zealand - Waitomo) | French Guiana, northern South America |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Fiordland Cave Weta
A large cave weta found in the cave systems of the Waitomo region in New Zealand. It has very long legs and antennae adapted to navigating dark cave environments. These weta form an important part of cave ecosystems, connecting surface and underground food webs.
Did You Know?
Cave weta venture outside caves at night to feed, then return and deposit their droppings inside, providing an essential nutrient input for the entire cave ecosystem.
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.