Madagascar Termite vs Churchyard Beetle

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Madagascar Termite Churchyard Beetle
Scientific Name Coptotermes truncatus Blaps mucronata
Order Blattodea Coleoptera
Family Rhinotermitidae Tenebrionidae
Size 4-8 mm (workers); 5-9 mm (soldiers) 18-25 mm
Habitat Caves Caves
Diet Wood Feeders Omnivores
Regions Madagascar Europe
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.

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Did You Know?

Soldiers defend the colony by squirting a sticky, irritating fluid from a gland on their head, entangling attackers like ants.

Churchyard Beetle

A large, slow-moving, flightless black beetle often found in cellars and old buildings. It emits a foul odor when disturbed.

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Did You Know?

It was historically considered an omen of death when found inside a house.