Orientalis Subterranean Termite vs Grallatotermes Bark Termite
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Orientalis Subterranean Termite | Grallatotermes Bark Termite |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Reticulitermes speratus | Grallatotermes africanus |
| Order | Blattodea | Blattodea |
| Family | Rhinotermitidae | Termitidae |
| Size | 4-6 mm | 3-5 mm |
| Habitat | Caves | Forests |
| Diet | Wood Feeders | Gall Makers |
| Regions | Japan, Korea, China | West Africa, Central Africa, East Africa |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Orientalis Subterranean Termite
The most economically important termite in Japan, causing significant damage to traditional wooden buildings and temples. Colonies are subterranean with diffuse nesting. Workers maintain elaborate tunnel networks connecting food sources.
Did You Know?
Asexual queen succession has been documented in this species, where the colony perpetuates through parthenogenetic queens produced by the original queen.
Grallatotermes Bark Termite
An African arboreal termite that builds thin sheeting galleries over tree bark surfaces. Workers forage beneath these protective coverings, consuming bark and lichen. The species is common in tropical African forests.
Did You Know?
The thin carton galleries this species builds over tree bark are so extensive they can cover entire tree trunks, making the tree appear to be coated in mud.