Mound-building Termite vs Stink Bug Tachinid

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Mound-building Termite Stink Bug Tachinid
Scientific Name Macrotermes gilvus Trichopoda pennipes
Order Blattodea Diptera
Family Termitidae Tachinidae
Size 5-12 mm 8-12 mm
Habitat Farmland Farmland
Diet Fungus Feeders Parasites
Regions Southeast Asia, from India to the Philippines North America, South America
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.

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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.

Stink Bug Tachinid

A distinctive parasitic fly with a flattened orange abdomen and feathery legs. It attacks stink bugs and squash bugs in agricultural settings.

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Did You Know?

Its fringed hind legs are thought to mimic bee pollen baskets, confusing predators.