Javanese Subterranean Termite vs Sphaerotermes Mushroom-comb Termite

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Javanese Subterranean Termite Sphaerotermes Mushroom-comb Termite
Scientific Name Schedorhinotermes javanicus Sphaerotermes sphaerothorax
Order Blattodea Blattodea
Family Rhinotermitidae Termitidae
Size 4-8 mm 3-5 mm
Habitat Woodlands Forests
Diet Wood Feeders Fungus Feeders
Regions Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Philippines Central Africa, Congo Basin
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Javanese Subterranean Termite

A subterranean termite found throughout Southeast Asia with a distinctive dimorphic soldier caste consisting of both major and minor soldiers. Major soldiers have large, sickle-shaped mandibles while minor soldiers have smaller heads. Colonies nest in soil and dead wood.

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Did You Know?

The two distinct soldier types work cooperatively in defense, with minor soldiers forming a fast-response first line while major soldiers deliver powerful crushing bites.

Sphaerotermes Mushroom-comb Termite

An African fungus-growing termite with a unique fungus cultivation strategy. Unlike other fungiculturists that grow Termitomyces, this species cultivates a different lineage of fungus. Colonies build subterranean nests in tropical forest soils.

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Did You Know?

This is the only termite genus known to independently evolved fungus farming using a different fungal partner than the widespread Termitomyces association.