Malaysian Subterranean Termite vs Turneri Carton Termite

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Malaysian Subterranean Termite Turneri Carton Termite
Scientific Name Coptotermes curvignathus Microcerotermes turneri
Order Blattodea Blattodea
Family Rhinotermitidae Termitidae
Size Workers 4-5 mm, soldiers 5-7 mm 3-5 mm
Habitat Caves Forests
Diet Wood Feeders Wood Feeders
Regions Malaysia, Indonesia, Southeast Asia Northern and eastern Australia
Conservation Not Evaluated Least Concern

Malaysian Subterranean Termite

An aggressive subterranean termite that attacks living trees and wooden structures in Southeast Asia. Soldiers have distinctly curved mandibles.

💡

Did You Know?

It is a major pest of rubber and oil palm plantations, attacking healthy living trees from below ground.

Turneri Carton Termite

An Australian arboreal termite that builds small, round carton nests on the trunks of eucalyptus trees. Colonies are small to medium-sized. Workers consume weathered and partially decayed wood.

💡

Did You Know?

The nests are surprisingly hard and durable, persisting on trees for years after the colony has vacated, and are sometimes used by other insects as shelter.