Malagasy Mound-building Termite vs Philippine Milk Termite
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Malagasy Mound-building Termite | Philippine Milk Termite |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Microcerotermes subtilis | Coptotermes vastator |
| Order | Blattodea | Blattodea |
| Family | Termitidae | Rhinotermitidae |
| Size | 3-5 mm | 4-6 mm |
| Habitat | Underground | Farmland |
| Diet | Wood Feeders | Wood Feeders |
| Regions | Madagascar | Philippines |
| 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.
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.
Philippine Milk Termite
The most destructive termite species in the Philippines, causing severe damage to buildings, trees, and crops. Colonies can be enormous with millions of workers. Soldiers produce a white, milky defensive secretion from the frontal gland.
Did You Know?
This species is so destructive in the Philippines that entire coconut plantations have been devastated, leading to major government-funded control programs.