Indianmeal Moth vs Anceps Termite

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Indianmeal Moth Anceps Termite
Scientific Name Plodia interpunctella Ancistrotermes cavithorax
Order Lepidoptera Blattodea
Family Pyralidae Termitidae
Size 16-20 mm wingspan 3-5 mm
Habitat Gardens Gardens
Diet Fruit Feeders Fungus Feeders
Regions Worldwide Sub-Saharan Africa
Conservation Not Evaluated Least Concern

Indianmeal Moth

The most common stored-product moth pest, recognized by its two-toned wings with copper outer halves. Larvae spin silk webbing over food surfaces as they feed.

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Did You Know?

Its common name comes from a report of it feeding on cornmeal, or 'Indian meal,' not from any connection to India.

Anceps Termite

A fungus-growing termite common across Sub-Saharan Africa, often sharing habitat with larger Macrotermes species. Colonies build small subterranean nests with fungus gardens. Workers are small and forage under covered tunnels.

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Did You Know?

This species sometimes constructs its nest directly adjacent to or even within the larger mound of Macrotermes, living as a neighbor without conflict.