Indian Mound Termite vs Banded Fungus Beetle

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Indian Mound Termite Banded Fungus Beetle
Scientific Name Odontotermes wallonensis Triplax russica
Order Blattodea Coleoptera
Family Termitidae Erotylidae
Size 4-8 mm 3-5 mm
Habitat Farmland Woodlands
Diet Fungus Feeders Fungus Feeders
Regions India, Sri Lanka Europe
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Indian Mound Termite

A common mound-building fungus termite in the Indian subcontinent. Workers forage extensively in agricultural fields, often becoming pests of crops. The mounds are medium-sized with internal fungus comb chambers.

💡

Did You Know?

Farmers in India have long observed that crops growing near Odontotermes mounds often perform better due to improved soil fertility from termite activity.

Banded Fungus Beetle

A small, attractively colored beetle with a red thorax and dark blue-black elytra. Lives on bracket fungi on dead trees. Part of a family known for bright coloring.

💡

Did You Know?

The contrasting red and blue-black coloring makes this one of the most attractive fungus beetles.