Termitophilous Rove Beetle vs Magnetic Termite
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Termitophilous Rove Beetle | Magnetic Termite |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Corotoca melantho | Amitermes meridionalis |
| Order | Coleoptera | Blattodea |
| Family | Staphylinidae | Termitidae |
| Size | 5-8 mm (body length without physogastric abdomen) | 4-6 mm |
| Habitat | Woodlands | Forests |
| Diet | Omnivores | Omnivores |
| Regions | Brazil, tropical South America | Oceania |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Termitophilous Rove Beetle
A bizarre, physogastric rove beetle that lives inside termite nests in Brazil. The female's abdomen becomes enormously swollen and translucent, resembling a termite queen in miniature.
Did You Know?
This is one of the only beetles known to give live birth (viviparity); fully formed larvae emerge from the female rather than eggs.
Magnetic Termite
Builds tall wedge-shaped mounds precisely oriented on a north-south axis to regulate internal temperature. The flat sides face east-west to warm in the morning and cool in the afternoon.
Did You Know?
Every magnetic termite mound in northern Australia points the same direction — perfectly north-south like compass needles, to regulate internal temperature throughout the day.