Macrotermes Queen vs South African Owlfly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Macrotermes Queen | South African Owlfly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Macrotermes bellicosus | Tmesibasis lacerata |
| Order | Blattodea | Neuroptera |
| Family | Termitidae | Ascalaphidae |
| Size | 100-140 mm (queen) | 45-60 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Grasslands | Grasslands |
| Diet | Fungus Feeders | Predators |
| Regions | Africa | Southern Africa |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Macrotermes Queen
Queens can live for over 25 years (possibly up to 50) and grow to enormous size — a single queen lays up to 30,000 eggs per day, more than any other insect.
Did You Know?
A Macrotermes queen can live 25-50 years and produce up to 30,000 eggs per day — her abdomen swells so large that she becomes physically incapable of moving.
South African Owlfly
A large African owlfly with intricately patterned wings and prominent clubbed antennae. Active during warm summer afternoons in savanna regions.
Did You Know?
Its larvae cover themselves in soil and debris, lying motionless until prey walks within reach.