Vegetable Caterpillar vs Indian Fungus-growing Termite
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Vegetable Caterpillar | Indian Fungus-growing Termite |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Ophiocordyceps robertsii | Odontotermes obesus |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Blattodea |
| Family | Hepialidae | Termitidae |
| Size | 50-100 mm (caterpillar plus fungal stalk) | Workers 4-6 mm, soldiers 7-10 mm |
| Habitat | Underground | Farmland |
| Diet | Fungus Feeders | Fungus Feeders |
| Regions | Oceania (New Zealand) | India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Not Evaluated |
Vegetable Caterpillar
The host of this relationship is the caterpillar of the native moth Aenetus virescens, parasitized by the endemic Cordyceps fungus. The fungus invades and mummifies the caterpillar underground, then sends a fruiting body to the surface. It was known to Maori as awhato.
Did You Know?
Maori prized the vegetable caterpillar as a pigment source, grinding the fungus-caterpillar combination to produce a blue-black tattoo ink.
Indian Fungus-growing Termite
A major fungus-cultivating termite pest in the Indian subcontinent. It causes significant damage to crops, trees, and wooden structures.
Did You Know?
It is considered one of the most economically destructive termite species in South Asia.