Malaysian Tree Termite vs Saw-backed Grouse Locust

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Malaysian Tree Termite Saw-backed Grouse Locust
Scientific Name Hospitalitermes hospitalis Acridopeza reticulata
Order Blattodea Orthoptera
Family Termitidae Tetrigidae
Size 3-5 mm 10-14 mm
Habitat Forests Forests
Diet Wood Feeders Herbivores
Regions Malaysia, Indonesia, Borneo Eastern Australia
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Malaysian Tree Termite

A remarkable open-air foraging nasutitermine termite from Southeast Asian rainforests. Workers forage in exposed columns along tree trunks and branches to collect lichen and algae. Nasute soldiers line the edges of foraging columns to provide defense.

💡

Did You Know?

Foraging columns can stretch over 100 meters through the forest canopy, with soldiers stationed at regular intervals along the exposed trail like sentries.

Saw-backed Grouse Locust

An Australian pygmy grasshopper with a distinctly serrated or saw-toothed pronotal keel. It is found in moist forest floor habitats.

💡

Did You Know?

Its serrated pronotum crest is unique among Australian tetrigids and gives it an almost reptilian appearance.