Giant Leaf Insect vs African Fungus Termite

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Giant Leaf Insect African Fungus Termite
Scientific Name Phyllium giganteum Macrotermes natalensis
Order Phasmatodea Blattodea
Family Phylliidae Termitidae
Size 95-110 mm Workers 5-7 mm, soldiers 12-15 mm
Habitat Grasslands Grasslands
Diet Herbivores Fungus Feeders
Regions Asia Southern and East Africa
Conservation Data Deficient Not Evaluated

Giant Leaf Insect

One of the largest leaf insects in the world, with a spectacularly flattened body that perfectly mimics a green leaf complete with veins, spots, and irregular edges.

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Did You Know?

Leaf insects sway gently when walking to mimic a leaf blowing in the breeze, and even their eggs are shaped and colored to look like plant seeds.

African Fungus Termite

A large fungus-cultivating termite that builds complex mounds with sophisticated ventilation systems. Its mounds are among the largest biological structures on Earth.

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Did You Know?

Its mound ventilation system maintains internal temperatures within 1 degree Celsius despite external fluctuations of 40 degrees.