Madagascar Termite vs Red Earth Termite
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Madagascar Termite | Red Earth Termite |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Coptotermes truncatus | Odontotermes formosanus |
| Order | Blattodea | Blattodea |
| Family | Rhinotermitidae | Termitidae |
| Size | 4-8 mm (workers); 5-9 mm (soldiers) | 4-8 mm |
| Habitat | Caves | Farmland |
| Diet | Wood Feeders | Fungus Feeders |
| Regions | Madagascar | China, Taiwan, Japan, Southeast Asia |
| 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.
Red Earth Termite
A widespread fungus-growing termite in East and Southeast Asia that is a major structural and agricultural pest. Colonies build diffuse subterranean nests with scattered fungus chambers. Workers are pale and forage underground through extensive tunnel systems.
Did You Know?
This termite can destroy wooden buildings from the inside out, often going undetected until the damage is severe because they leave the outer surface intact.