Indian White Termite vs Malagasy Mound-building Termite

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Indian White Termite Malagasy Mound-building Termite
Scientific Name Odontotermes horni Microcerotermes subtilis
Order Blattodea Blattodea
Family Termitidae Termitidae
Size 4-8 mm 3-5 mm
Habitat Forests Underground
Diet Fungus Feeders Wood Feeders
Regions India, Sri Lanka Madagascar
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.

Malagasy Mound-building Termite

A small termite species that constructs conspicuous carton mounds on tree trunks or the ground. Workers are pale and soft-bodied with darkened head capsules.

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Did You Know?

Its dark carton mounds are made from a mixture of soil, chewed wood, and fecal material cemented together, and they can persist for years even after the colony dies.