Speculitermes Inquiline vs Aquatic Crane Fly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Speculitermes Inquiline Aquatic Crane Fly
Scientific Name Speculitermes cyclops Antocha saxicola
Order Blattodea Diptera
Family Termitidae Limoniidae
Size 2-4 mm 5-8 mm
Habitat Woodlands Rivers & Streams
Diet Omnivores Omnivores
Regions India, Sri Lanka North America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Speculitermes Inquiline

A small soil-feeding termite from India that is notable for being an inquiline, living within the mounds of larger termite species. Workers are pale and blind, feeding on organic soil within the host mound. Colonies are small and inconspicuous.

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Did You Know?

This termite is a mound parasite, secretly living inside the walls of other termites' nests and feeding on soil without the host colony apparently noticing.

Aquatic Crane Fly

A small crane fly whose larvae build silken cases on submerged rocks in fast-flowing streams. Larvae are true aquatic inhabitants rather than semi-terrestrial.

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Did You Know?

Larvae are among the few crane flies that are fully aquatic throughout development, never leaving the water.