Grallatotermes Bark Termite vs Red Earth Termite

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Grallatotermes Bark Termite Red Earth Termite
Scientific Name Grallatotermes africanus Odontotermes formosanus
Order Blattodea Blattodea
Family Termitidae Termitidae
Size 3-5 mm 4-8 mm
Habitat Forests Farmland
Diet Gall Makers Fungus Feeders
Regions West Africa, Central Africa, East Africa China, Taiwan, Japan, Southeast Asia
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Grallatotermes Bark Termite

An African arboreal termite that builds thin sheeting galleries over tree bark surfaces. Workers forage beneath these protective coverings, consuming bark and lichen. The species is common in tropical African forests.

💡

Did You Know?

The thin carton galleries this species builds over tree bark are so extensive they can cover entire tree trunks, making the tree appear to be coated in mud.

Red Earth Termite

A widespread fungus-growing termite in East and Southeast Asia that is a major structural and agricultural pest. Colonies build diffuse subterranean nests with scattered fungus chambers. Workers are pale and forage underground through extensive tunnel systems.

💡

Did You Know?

This termite can destroy wooden buildings from the inside out, often going undetected until the damage is severe because they leave the outer surface intact.