Voeltzkow's Nasute Termite vs Golden Ant Guest Beetle
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Voeltzkow's Nasute Termite | Golden Ant Guest Beetle |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Nasutitermes voeltzkowi | Pella funesta |
| Order | Blattodea | Coleoptera |
| Family | Termitidae | Staphylinidae |
| Size | 4-6 mm | 3-4 mm |
| Habitat | Woodlands | Woodlands |
| Diet | Wood Feeders | Scavengers |
| Regions | East Africa, Madagascar | Europe |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Voeltzkow's Nasute Termite
An African nasute termite common in East African savanna and woodland. Colonies build conspicuous dark carton nests on trees or construct mound nests on the ground. Workers forage in covered runways along tree trunks and branches.
Did You Know?
The carton nest material is made from chewed wood fibers mixed with fecal matter, creating a remarkably hard and weather-resistant structure.
Golden Ant Guest Beetle
A small aleocharine rove beetle that lives at the periphery of Lasius ant nests, feeding on refuse and dead ants. It uses chemical mimicry to avoid aggression from its host ants.
Did You Know?
When detected by an ant, this beetle deploys a tergal gland secretion that causes the ant to briefly freeze, allowing the beetle to escape.