Tasmanian Cave Cricket vs Red Earth Termite

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Tasmanian Cave Cricket Red Earth Termite
Scientific Name Micropathus ditto Odontotermes formosanus
Order Orthoptera Blattodea
Family Rhaphidophoridae Termitidae
Size 10-15 mm 4-8 mm
Habitat Forests Farmland
Diet Fungus Feeders Fungus Feeders
Regions Australia China, Taiwan, Japan, Southeast Asia
Conservation Endangered Least Concern

Tasmanian Cave Cricket

A recently described cave cricket from wet forests of Tasmania, Australia. It is a short-range endemic threatened by habitat loss.

💡

Did You Know?

It was only formally described in recent years despite being known to cavers.

Red Earth Termite

A widespread fungus-growing termite in East and Southeast Asia that is a major structural and agricultural pest. Colonies build diffuse subterranean nests with scattered fungus chambers. Workers are pale and forage underground through extensive tunnel systems.

💡

Did You Know?

This termite can destroy wooden buildings from the inside out, often going undetected until the damage is severe because they leave the outer surface intact.