Sardinian Cave Beetle vs Malaysian Subterranean Termite

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Sardinian Cave Beetle Malaysian Subterranean Termite
Scientific Name Speomolops sardous Coptotermes curvignathus
Order Coleoptera Blattodea
Family Molopidius Rhinotermitidae
Size 8-10 mm Workers 4-5 mm, soldiers 5-7 mm
Habitat Caves Caves
Diet Omnivores Wood Feeders
Regions Sardinia Malaysia, Indonesia, Southeast Asia
Conservation Vulnerable Not Evaluated

Sardinian Cave Beetle

A blind cave beetle endemic to a single cave system in Sardinia. It has no eyes, no pigment, and elongated legs and antennae.

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Did You Know?

It was only discovered in 1970 and remains known from a single cave near Cagliari.

Malaysian Subterranean Termite

An aggressive subterranean termite that attacks living trees and wooden structures in Southeast Asia. Soldiers have distinctly curved mandibles.

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Did You Know?

It is a major pest of rubber and oil palm plantations, attacking healthy living trees from below ground.