Indian White Termite vs Douglas-fir Timema

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Indian White Termite Douglas-fir Timema
Scientific Name Odontotermes horni Timema douglasi
Order Blattodea Phasmatodea
Family Termitidae Timematidae
Size 4-8 mm 1.5-2 cm
Habitat Forests Forests
Diet Fungus Feeders Herbivores
Regions India, Sri Lanka United States (Oregon), United States (Northern California)
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Indian White Termite

A fungus-cultivating termite common in the forests and agricultural areas of the Indian subcontinent. Colonies build subterranean nests with fungus gardens. Workers are pale white and forage beneath covered runways on the soil surface.

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Did You Know?

The Termitomyces mushrooms that fruit from this species' fungus gardens are among the largest edible mushrooms in the world, with caps up to 1 meter wide.

Douglas-fir Timema

A parthenogenetic timema that feeds on old-growth Douglas fir. All-female populations can occasionally cause noticeable defoliation.

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Did You Know?

It reproduces entirely without males and can reach outbreak densities that defoliate old-growth Douglas fir trees.