Japanese Eosentomid vs Soldier-heavy Termite

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Japanese Eosentomid Soldier-heavy Termite
Scientific Name Eosentomon sakura Pericapritermes nitobei
Order Protura Blattodea
Family Eosentomidae Termitidae
Size 0.7-1.5 mm 3-5 mm
Habitat Forests Forests
Diet Fungus Feeders Omnivores
Regions Asia Southeast Asia, Taiwan, Pacific Islands
Conservation Not Evaluated Least Concern

Japanese Eosentomid

A tiny proturan found in the soils of Japanese temperate forests. It possesses functional spiracles unlike acerentomid proturans.

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Did You Know?

Eosentomids have a tracheal system for breathing, while acerentomids breathe entirely through their thin cuticle.

Soldier-heavy Termite

A soil-feeding termite found across Southeast Asia and the Pacific, notable for its snapping-mandible soldiers. Workers consume humus and organic-rich soil. Colonies build diffuse subterranean nests in forest soils.

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Did You Know?

Soldiers have asymmetric mandibles that snap shut with tremendous force, producing an audible click that can be heard by researchers excavating the nest.