Malagasy Mound-building Termite vs Flower Rove Beetle

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Malagasy Mound-building Termite Flower Rove Beetle
Scientific Name Microcerotermes subtilis Eusphalerum luteum
Order Blattodea Coleoptera
Family Termitidae Staphylinidae
Size 3-5 mm 2-4 mm
Habitat Underground Underground
Diet Wood Feeders Pollen Feeders
Regions Madagascar Europe, Western Asia
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Malagasy Mound-building Termite

A small termite species that constructs conspicuous carton mounds on tree trunks or the ground. Workers are pale and soft-bodied with darkened head capsules.

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Did You Know?

Its dark carton mounds are made from a mixture of soil, chewed wood, and fecal material cemented together, and they can persist for years even after the colony dies.

Flower Rove Beetle

A small, yellowish omaline rove beetle that is unusual among staphylinids for being a regular flower visitor. It feeds on pollen and nectar and may play a role in pollination.

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Did You Know?

This is one of the few rove beetles that regularly visits flowers, and pollen grains found on its body suggest it may be an accidental pollinator.