Soldier-heavy Termite vs Peruvian Bark Mantis

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Soldier-heavy Termite Peruvian Bark Mantis
Scientific Name Pericapritermes nitobei Liturgusa manausensis
Order Blattodea Mantodea
Family Termitidae Liturgusidae
Size 3-5 mm 22-30 mm
Habitat Forests Forests
Diet Omnivores Wood Feeders
Regions Southeast Asia, Taiwan, Pacific Islands Brazil, Peru
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Soldier-heavy Termite

A soil-feeding termite found across Southeast Asia and the Pacific, notable for its snapping-mandible soldiers. Workers consume humus and organic-rich soil. Colonies build diffuse subterranean nests in forest soils.

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Did You Know?

Soldiers have asymmetric mandibles that snap shut with tremendous force, producing an audible click that can be heard by researchers excavating the nest.

Peruvian Bark Mantis

A bark mantis originally described from the Manaus region of Brazil but also found in Peru. It has a dark brown body with lighter speckles.

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Did You Know?

It is most commonly collected using headlamp surveys on tree trunks at night.