Iberian Subterranean Termite vs African Mound Termite
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Iberian Subterranean Termite | African Mound Termite |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Reticulitermes grassei | Macrotermes michaelseni |
| Order | Blattodea | Blattodea |
| Family | Rhinotermitidae | Termitidae |
| Size | 4-5 mm | 7-12 mm workers |
| Habitat | Caves | Grasslands |
| Diet | Gall Makers | Wood Feeders |
| Regions | Spain, Portugal, southwestern France | Africa |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Iberian Subterranean Termite
A subterranean termite found in the Iberian Peninsula and southwestern France. Colonies build underground galleries in soil and infest wooden structures. The species is of growing economic concern in southern Europe.
Did You Know?
This species has been found infesting ancient Roman ruins and medieval castles across Iberia, slowly destroying irreplaceable archaeological timbers.
African Mound Termite
A large termite species that builds towering mounds with sophisticated ventilation systems across African savannas. The mounds maintain remarkably stable internal conditions.
Did You Know?
The ventilation system in these termite mounds inspired the design of the Eastgate Centre in Harare, Zimbabwe, a building that uses 90 percent less energy for climate control than conventional buildings.