Mound-building Termite vs Lesser Cattle Grub
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Mound-building Termite | Lesser Cattle Grub |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Macrotermes gilvus | Hypoderma lineatum |
| Order | Blattodea | Diptera |
| Family | Termitidae | Oestridae |
| Size | 5-12 mm | 11-13 mm |
| Habitat | Farmland | Farmland |
| Diet | Fungus Feeders | Parasites |
| Regions | Southeast Asia, from India to the Philippines | North America, Europe, Asia |
| 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.
Lesser Cattle Grub
A hairy, bee-like fly slightly smaller than H. bovis, whose larvae also parasitize cattle. Unlike H. bovis, its larvae migrate through the esophageal wall rather than the spinal canal. It causes significant hide damage and meat trim losses in the cattle industry.
Did You Know?
Warble damage to cattle hides makes them unsuitable for premium leather, costing the cattle industry millions in hide value annually.