Indian Subterranean Termite vs Malaysian Tree Termite

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Indian Subterranean Termite Malaysian Tree Termite
Scientific Name Coptotermes heimi Hospitalitermes hospitalis
Order Blattodea Blattodea
Family Rhinotermitidae Termitidae
Size Workers 3-5 mm, soldiers 5-6 mm 3-5 mm
Habitat Farmland Forests
Diet Wood Feeders Wood Feeders
Regions India, Pakistan, Middle East Malaysia, Indonesia, Borneo
Conservation Not Evaluated Least Concern

Indian Subterranean Termite

A destructive subterranean termite common across the Indian subcontinent. It attacks wooden structures, crops, and living trees.

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Did You Know?

It is responsible for more structural damage in India than any other single insect species.

Malaysian Tree Termite

A remarkable open-air foraging nasutitermine termite from Southeast Asian rainforests. Workers forage in exposed columns along tree trunks and branches to collect lichen and algae. Nasute soldiers line the edges of foraging columns to provide defense.

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Did You Know?

Foraging columns can stretch over 100 meters through the forest canopy, with soldiers stationed at regular intervals along the exposed trail like sentries.