Mound-building Termite vs Indian White Termite
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Mound-building Termite | Indian White Termite |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Macrotermes gilvus | Odontotermes horni |
| Order | Blattodea | Blattodea |
| Family | Termitidae | Termitidae |
| Size | 5-12 mm | 4-8 mm |
| Habitat | Farmland | Forests |
| Diet | Fungus Feeders | Fungus Feeders |
| Regions | Southeast Asia, from India to the Philippines | India, Sri Lanka |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Mound-building Termite
A fungus-growing termite widespread across Southeast Asia that builds subterranean to semi-subterranean nests with low mound structures. It is a significant pest of rubber, coconut, and oil palm plantations. Workers forage via covered galleries.
Did You Know?
In parts of Thailand and Laos, the winged reproductives of this species are fried and eaten as a popular seasonal snack during the early rainy season.
Indian White Termite
A fungus-cultivating termite common in the forests and agricultural areas of the Indian subcontinent. Colonies build subterranean nests with fungus gardens. Workers are pale white and forage beneath covered runways on the soil surface.
Did You Know?
The Termitomyces mushrooms that fruit from this species' fungus gardens are among the largest edible mushrooms in the world, with caps up to 1 meter wide.