Giant Termite vs Malagasy Blue Butterfly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Giant Termite | Malagasy Blue Butterfly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Macrognathotermes sunteri | Leptomyrina phidias |
| Order | Blattodea | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Termitidae | Lycaenidae |
| Size | Workers 6-8 mm; soldiers up to 12 mm | 25-30 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Woodlands | Forests |
| Diet | Wood Feeders | Wood Feeders |
| Regions | Australia | Madagascar |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Giant Termite
One of Australia's largest termite species with soldiers bearing massive curved mandibles. It builds large dome-shaped mounds in tropical woodland.
Did You Know?
Its soldiers have such powerful jaws they can draw blood if they bite a human finger.
Malagasy Blue Butterfly
A small butterfly with brilliant blue upperwings in males and more subdued brown in females. The underwing surface has fine dark streaks on a silvery white background.
Did You Know?
The caterpillars are unusual among lycaenids in feeding on lichens rather than the more typical ants or plant tissue.