Spinifex Termite vs Asian Subterranean Termite

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Spinifex Termite Asian Subterranean Termite
Scientific Name Nasutitermes longipennis Coptotermes gestroi
Order Blattodea Blattodea
Family Termitidae Rhinotermitidae
Size Workers 4-5 mm; soldiers 5-6 mm 3-6 mm
Habitat Grasslands Caves
Diet Herbivores Wood Feeders
Regions Australia Southeast Asia, Caribbean, South America, Florida
Conservation Least Concern Not Evaluated

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.

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Did You Know?

Short-beaked echidnas tear open the rock-hard mounds with powerful claws to feast on the termites inside.

Asian Subterranean Termite

A highly invasive subterranean termite that has spread throughout tropical regions worldwide. They are especially destructive in urban environments and boat timbers.

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Did You Know?

They have been transported globally through infested shipping materials and now threaten wooden structures on every tropical continent.