Paroecus Flat-faced Longhorn vs Magnetic Termite

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Paroecus Flat-faced Longhorn Magnetic Termite
Scientific Name Batocera paroeca Amitermes meridionalis
Order Coleoptera Blattodea
Family Cerambycidae Termitidae
Size 30-50 mm 4-6 mm
Habitat Forests Forests
Diet Wood Feeders Omnivores
Regions Papua New Guinea, Irian Jaya Oceania
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Paroecus Flat-faced Longhorn

A moderately large longhorn from the forests of New Guinea with cryptic bark-like patterning. Males have exceptionally long antennae that exceed twice the body length. It is primarily nocturnal and seldom encountered.

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Did You Know?

Males use their extraordinarily long antennae to detect female pheromones from distances exceeding 100 meters.

Magnetic Termite

Builds tall wedge-shaped mounds precisely oriented on a north-south axis to regulate internal temperature. The flat sides face east-west to warm in the morning and cool in the afternoon.

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Did You Know?

Every magnetic termite mound in northern Australia points the same direction — perfectly north-south like compass needles, to regulate internal temperature throughout the day.