Great Purple Hairstreak vs Dark Mound Termite
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Great Purple Hairstreak | Dark Mound Termite |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Atlides halesus | Macrotermes carbonarius |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Blattodea |
| Family | Lycaenidae | Termitidae |
| Size | 32-50 mm wingspan | 5–12 mm |
| Habitat | Woodlands | Woodlands |
| Diet | Nectar Feeders | Fungus Feeders |
| Regions | Southern United States from California to the Atlantic coast | Southeast Asia |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Not Evaluated |
Great Purple Hairstreak
The largest hairstreak in North America with brilliant iridescent blue upperside wings and a bright red-orange abdomen. Its underside is dark with metallic blue and red spots near the tails.
Did You Know?
Its caterpillars feed only on mistletoe, and females seek out this parasitic plant high in oak canopies to lay their eggs.
Dark Mound Termite
A large fungus-growing termite found across Southeast Asia that builds conspicuous dark mounds. Workers process dead wood through underground fungal gardens.
Did You Know?
The Termitomyces mushrooms that fruit from its mounds are prized as a delicacy across Southeast Asia.