New Zealand Cave Weta vs Sphaerotermes Mushroom-comb Termite
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | New Zealand Cave Weta | Sphaerotermes Mushroom-comb Termite |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Pachyrhamma edwardsii | Sphaerotermes sphaerothorax |
| Order | Orthoptera | Blattodea |
| Family | Rhaphidophoridae | Termitidae |
| Size | 20-40 mm | 3-5 mm |
| Habitat | Caves | Forests |
| Diet | Fungus Feeders | Fungus Feeders |
| Regions | New Zealand | Central Africa, Congo Basin |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
New Zealand Cave Weta
A large cave weta found throughout New Zealand's North Island caves. It has massive hind legs and can grow quite large.
Did You Know?
Weta are sometimes called the 'mice of New Zealand' for their ecological role.
Sphaerotermes Mushroom-comb Termite
An African fungus-growing termite with a unique fungus cultivation strategy. Unlike other fungiculturists that grow Termitomyces, this species cultivates a different lineage of fungus. Colonies build subterranean nests in tropical forest soils.
Did You Know?
This is the only termite genus known to independently evolved fungus farming using a different fungal partner than the widespread Termitomyces association.