Snapping Termite vs Savanna Cubitermes

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Snapping Termite Savanna Cubitermes
Scientific Name Termes hospes Cubitermes severus
Order Blattodea Blattodea
Family Termitidae Termitidae
Size 4-6 mm 4-6 mm
Habitat Forests Grasslands
Diet Root Feeders Fungus Feeders
Regions West Africa, Central Africa West Africa
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Snapping Termite

An African soil-feeding termite common in forest and savanna soils. Soldiers possess powerful snapping mandibles that can inflict painful bites. Colonies are subterranean and contribute significantly to soil processing.

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Did You Know?

The snapping mandibles of soldiers work like loaded springs, storing elastic energy that is released in a rapid strike capable of killing ant attackers.

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.