Spinifex Termite vs African Cicada
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Spinifex Termite | African Cicada |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Nasutitermes longipennis | Platypleura hirtipennis |
| Order | Blattodea | Hemiptera |
| Family | Termitidae | Cicadidae |
| Size | Workers 4-5 mm; soldiers 5-6 mm | 35-50 mm body length |
| Habitat | Grasslands | Grasslands |
| Diet | Herbivores | Sap Feeders |
| Regions | Australia | East Africa (Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Ethiopia) |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Spinifex Termite
A mound-building termite common across the dry interior of Australia. Its hard earthen mounds dot the landscape of arid grasslands and are a key food source for echidnas.
Did You Know?
Short-beaked echidnas tear open the rock-hard mounds with powerful claws to feast on the termites inside.
African Cicada
A large cicada with brownish wings and a stout body. Males produce a deafening chorus using specialized tymbal organs on the abdomen during the hot hours of the day.
Did You Know?
The sound of a cicada chorus can reach over 100 decibels, making them among the loudest insects in the world.