Spinifex Termite vs Blue Rove Beetle
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Spinifex Termite | Blue Rove Beetle |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Nasutitermes longipennis | Paederus fuscipes |
| Order | Blattodea | Coleoptera |
| Family | Termitidae | Staphylinidae |
| Size | Workers 4-5 mm; soldiers 5-6 mm | 6-8 mm |
| Habitat | Grasslands | Farmland |
| Diet | Herbivores | Herbivores |
| Regions | Australia | South Asia, Southeast Asia, East Asia |
| 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.
Blue Rove Beetle
A small, slender beetle with metallic blue elytra and an orange abdomen. It is an important biological control agent in rice paddies.
Did You Know?
Outbreaks of skin dermatitis called 'Paederus dermatitis' occur when people unknowingly crush these beetles on their skin.