Madagascar Termite vs Bat Fly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Madagascar Termite | Bat Fly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Coptotermes truncatus | Penicillidia conspicua |
| Order | Blattodea | Diptera |
| Family | Rhinotermitidae | Nycteribiidae |
| Size | 4-8 mm (workers); 5-9 mm (soldiers) | 2-5 mm |
| Habitat | Caves | Caves |
| Diet | Wood Feeders | Parasites |
| Regions | Madagascar | Europe, Asia, Africa |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Madagascar Termite
A subterranean termite with soft, pale workers and dark-headed soldiers that have elongated, rounded heads equipped with a frontal pore for secreting defensive fluids.
Did You Know?
Soldiers defend the colony by squirting a sticky, irritating fluid from a gland on their head, entangling attackers like ants.
Bat Fly
A bizarre wingless fly that lives exclusively as an ectoparasite on bats. It has lost its wings entirely and scurries through bat fur like a spider.
Did You Know?
These flies have evolved to look and move like spiders, having completely lost their wings and flattened their bodies for life in bat fur.