Sphaerotermes Mushroom-comb Termite vs Peruphasma Stick Insect

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Sphaerotermes Mushroom-comb Termite Peruphasma Stick Insect
Scientific Name Sphaerotermes sphaerothorax Peruphasma marmoratum
Order Blattodea Phasmatodea
Family Termitidae Pseudophasmatidae
Size 3-5 mm 5-7 cm
Habitat Forests Forests
Diet Fungus Feeders Herbivores
Regions Central Africa, Congo Basin Venezuela (Andes)
Conservation Least Concern Data Deficient

Sphaerotermes Mushroom-comb Termite

An African fungus-growing termite with a unique fungus cultivation strategy. Unlike other fungiculturists that grow Termitomyces, this species cultivates a different lineage of fungus. Colonies build subterranean nests in tropical forest soils.

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Did You Know?

This is the only termite genus known to independently evolved fungus farming using a different fungal partner than the widespread Termitomyces association.

Peruphasma Stick Insect

A marbled-looking stick insect from the high montane forests of the Venezuelan Andes. Its mottled coloring camouflages it on lichen-covered branches.

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Did You Know?

It lives at elevations above 2,000 meters in some of the most remote cloud forests of the Andes.