Lacteus Termite vs European Subterranean Termite
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Lacteus Termite | European Subterranean Termite |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Coptotermes lacteus | Reticulitermes lucifugus |
| Order | Blattodea | Blattodea |
| Family | Rhinotermitidae | Rhinotermitidae |
| Size | 4-6 mm | Workers 3-5 mm, soldiers 4-6 mm |
| Habitat | Woodlands | Caves |
| Diet | Wood Feeders | Wood Feeders |
| Regions | Eastern Australia | Southern Europe (Mediterranean region) |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Not Evaluated |
Lacteus Termite
An Australian mound-building termite that constructs distinctive dark, hard-walled mounds up to 2 meters tall. The mounds are a common sight in pastures and open woodland across eastern Australia. Workers are pale and soft-bodied with gut protozoa for cellulose digestion.
Did You Know?
Their mounds are so durable that they persist for decades after the colony dies and are sometimes used as road-building material in rural Australia.
European Subterranean Termite
The most widespread subterranean termite in southern Europe. It damages wooden structures and historical buildings across the Mediterranean.
Did You Know?
Its species name lucifugus means light-fleeing, referring to its strictly underground habit.