Savanna Cubitermes vs Formosan Subterranean Termite

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Savanna Cubitermes Formosan Subterranean Termite
Scientific Name Cubitermes severus Coptotermes formosanus
Order Blattodea Blattodea
Family Termitidae Rhinotermitidae
Size 4-6 mm 5-8 mm
Habitat Grasslands Underground
Diet Fungus Feeders Wood Feeders
Regions West Africa Asia, North America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Savanna Cubitermes

A soil-feeding termite building characteristic mushroom-shaped mounds in West African savannas. Workers process large amounts of mineral soil for organic nutrients. The distinctive mound cap sheds rainwater away from the colony.

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Did You Know?

The mound's cap structure is added in stages, with each new layer extending outward like an umbrella to protect lower portions from heavy tropical rains.

Formosan Subterranean Termite

One of the most aggressive and destructive termite species in the world, forming massive colonies of several million individuals. It originated in southern China.

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Did You Know?

A single Formosan termite colony can contain over 10 million individuals and consume up to 400 grams of wood per day, enough to severely damage a home in six months.