Giant Northern Termite vs Koa Bug
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Giant Northern Termite | Koa Bug |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Mastotermes darwiniensis | Coleotichus blackburniae |
| Order | Blattodea | Hemiptera |
| Family | Mastotermitidae | Scutelleridae |
| Size | 10-15mm | 15-20 mm |
| Habitat | Forests | Forests |
| Diet | Wood Feeders | Sap Feeders |
| Regions | Oceania | Hawaii |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Vulnerable |
Giant Northern Termite
The most primitive living termite and the only surviving member of its family. It retains many cockroach-like features including laying eggs in cockroach-like oothecae. It is extremely destructive to timber.
Did You Know?
It is a living fossil, the most primitive termite alive, retaining cockroach-like features that link termites to their ancestors.
Koa Bug
A colorful jewel bug endemic to Hawaii with metallic green, gold, and red coloring. It feeds on koa and other native trees.
Did You Know?
Invasive parasitoid wasps have drastically reduced its numbers across the Hawaiian Islands.