Globe Termite vs Orchard Swallowtail
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Globe Termite | Orchard Swallowtail |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Globitermes sulphureus | Papilio aegeus |
| Order | Blattodea | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Termitidae | Papilionidae |
| Size | 4-7 mm | 9-12 cm wingspan |
| Habitat | Woodlands | Woodlands |
| Diet | Wood Feeders | Nectar Feeders |
| Regions | Southeast Asia, from Thailand to Indonesia | Australia, Papua New Guinea |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Globe Termite
A Southeast Asian termite with soldiers that practice autothysis, or suicidal self-destruction. When threatened, soldiers contract their abdominal muscles to rupture their body wall, releasing a yellow, sticky secretion that entangles attackers. Colonies build small carton nests.
Did You Know?
Soldiers literally explode when attacked, rupturing a gland filled with toxic yellow liquid that solidifies into a sticky trap, sacrificing themselves for the colony.
Orchard Swallowtail
A large black swallowtail where females display white and red markings mimicking toxic butterflies. Males are mostly black with a row of pale spots.
Did You Know?
Its caterpillars resemble bird droppings when young, providing excellent camouflage from predators.