Flat Bark Beetle of Madeira vs Processional Termite

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Flat Bark Beetle of Madeira Processional Termite
Scientific Name Tarphius rufonodulosus Hospitalitermes medioflavus
Order Coleoptera Blattodea
Family Zopheridae Termitidae
Size 0.3-0.5 cm 3-5 mm
Habitat Forests Forests
Diet Fungus Feeders Omnivores
Regions Portugal Borneo, Peninsular Malaysia
Conservation Critically Endangered Least Concern

Flat Bark Beetle of Madeira

A small flattened beetle endemic to the laurel forests of Madeira. It lives under the bark of dead Laurus and Ocotea trees.

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Did You Know?

Madeira's laurel forests are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and harbor dozens of unique beetle species.

Processional Termite

An open-trail foraging termite found in Borneo's rainforests that travels in long exposed columns through the forest. Workers carry balls of lichen and soil in their mandibles back to the nest. The species is notable for its bold, exposed foraging behavior.

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Did You Know?

Workers carry a conspicuous ball of food material on their heads during the return march, making the foraging columns look like miniature processions.