Saharan Harvester Termite vs Lime Hawk-moth
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Saharan Harvester Termite | Lime Hawk-moth |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Anacanthotermes ochraceus | Mimas tiliae |
| Order | Blattodea | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Hodotermitidae | Sphingidae |
| Size | 7-12 mm | 55-70 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Deserts & Drylands | Underground |
| Diet | Herbivores | Herbivores |
| Regions | North Africa, Middle East, Central Asia | Europe, western Asia |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Saharan Harvester Termite
A desert-adapted harvester termite found across the Saharan and Arabian desert margins. Workers forage at the surface for dried vegetation and are among the most heat-tolerant of all termites. Colonies nest deep underground near permanent water sources.
Did You Know?
This species can tolerate surface temperatures exceeding 50°C by timing foraging to brief periods and retreating to cool underground chambers.
Lime Hawk-moth
A beautifully scalloped hawk-moth with variable pink-green to brown colouration and dark central wing bands. Adults do not feed at all, living only on energy stored as caterpillars.
Did You Know?
Its wing colour varies enormously, from bright salmon pink to deep olive green, even within the same brood.