Indian Mound Termite vs Compass Termite

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Indian Mound Termite Compass Termite
Scientific Name Odontotermes wallonensis Amitermes laurensis
Order Blattodea Blattodea
Family Termitidae Termitidae
Size 4-8 mm 4-6mm
Habitat Farmland Grasslands
Diet Fungus Feeders Herbivores
Regions India, Sri Lanka Oceania
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.

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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.

Compass Termite

A termite that builds wedge-shaped mounds oriented east-west, exposing the broad face to the morning and evening sun. This orientation helps regulate internal temperature. Mounds dot the Cape York landscape.

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Did You Know?

Its mound orientation is the opposite of the magnetic termite, with the broad face pointing east-west.