Platter Ant vs Pacific Dampwood Termite
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Platter Ant | Pacific Dampwood Termite |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Cataulacus intrudens | Zootermopsis laticeps |
| Order | Hymenoptera | Blattodea |
| Family | Formicidae | Archotermopsidae |
| Size | 3-6 mm | 12-18mm |
| Habitat | Forests | Forests |
| Diet | Herbivores | Wood Feeders |
| Regions | West and Central Africa | North America |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Platter Ant
An arboreal African ant with a heavily armored, flattened body and sculptured cuticle. Workers have a broad, shield-like head that can be used to block nest entrances. They nest in tree holes and have a slow, deliberate gait.
Did You Know?
Their flattened body and strong tarsal grip allow them to resist removal by predators by clamping flat against bark surfaces.
Pacific Dampwood Termite
A large termite with soldiers that have broad flattened heads and strong mandibles. It inhabits damp rotting wood in forests. Colonies are relatively small, typically under 4,000 individuals.
Did You Know?
Soldiers vibrate their heads against tunnel walls to create alarm signals that warn the colony of danger.