Plantain Gall Weevil vs Iberian Subterranean Termite

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Plantain Gall Weevil Iberian Subterranean Termite
Scientific Name Mecinus pyraster Reticulitermes grassei
Order Coleoptera Blattodea
Family Curculionidae Rhinotermitidae
Size 3-4 mm 4-5 mm
Habitat Grasslands Caves
Diet Gall Makers Gall Makers
Regions Europe Spain, Portugal, southwestern France
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Plantain Gall Weevil

A small cylindrical weevil that causes stem galls on plantain. Larvae develop inside swollen plant stems. An inconspicuous but very common species.

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Did You Know?

Causes distinctive swellings on plantain stems that are easy to find even when the tiny weevil itself is not visible.

Iberian Subterranean Termite

A subterranean termite found in the Iberian Peninsula and southwestern France. Colonies build underground galleries in soil and infest wooden structures. The species is of growing economic concern in southern Europe.

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Did You Know?

This species has been found infesting ancient Roman ruins and medieval castles across Iberia, slowly destroying irreplaceable archaeological timbers.