Formosan Rosalia vs Sphaerotermes Mushroom-comb Termite

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Formosan Rosalia Sphaerotermes Mushroom-comb Termite
Scientific Name Rosalia formosa Sphaerotermes sphaerothorax
Order Coleoptera Blattodea
Family Cerambycidae Termitidae
Size 20-35 mm 3-5 mm
Habitat Forests Forests
Diet Sap Feeders Fungus Feeders
Regions Taiwan Central Africa, Congo Basin
Conservation Near Threatened Least Concern

Formosan Rosalia

A stunning cerambycid endemic to Taiwan with turquoise-blue elytra and black markings. It inhabits montane hardwood forests at elevations above 1000 meters. It is highly prized by collectors and rarely encountered in the wild.

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Did You Know?

This species appears on a Taiwanese postage stamp issued in 2010, highlighting its cultural significance.

Sphaerotermes Mushroom-comb Termite

An African fungus-growing termite with a unique fungus cultivation strategy. Unlike other fungiculturists that grow Termitomyces, this species cultivates a different lineage of fungus. Colonies build subterranean nests in tropical forest soils.

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Did You Know?

This is the only termite genus known to independently evolved fungus farming using a different fungal partner than the widespread Termitomyces association.