Malagasy Bark Mantis vs Asian Subterranean Termite

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Malagasy Bark Mantis Asian Subterranean Termite
Scientific Name Liturgusa malagassa Coptotermes gestroi
Order Mantodea Blattodea
Family Liturgusidae Rhinotermitidae
Size 30-40 mm 3-6 mm
Habitat Forests Caves
Diet Wood Feeders Wood Feeders
Regions Madagascar Southeast Asia, Caribbean, South America, Florida
Conservation Least Concern Not Evaluated

Malagasy Bark Mantis

A flattened mantis that lives pressed against tree trunks, with mottled brown and gray coloring that perfectly matches bark. It runs rapidly across bark surfaces to catch prey.

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Did You Know?

Rather than ambushing prey from a stationary position like most mantises, it actively pursues insects across tree bark at surprising speed.

Asian Subterranean Termite

A highly invasive subterranean termite that has spread throughout tropical regions worldwide. They are especially destructive in urban environments and boat timbers.

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Did You Know?

They have been transported globally through infested shipping materials and now threaten wooden structures on every tropical continent.