West African Fungus-Growing Termite vs Macrotermes Queen
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | West African Fungus-Growing Termite | Macrotermes Queen |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Macrotermes subhyalinus | Macrotermes bellicosus |
| Order | Blattodea | Blattodea |
| Family | Termitidae | Termitidae |
| Size | 3-18 mm | 100-140 mm (queen) |
| Habitat | Deserts & Drylands | Grasslands |
| Diet | Fungus Feeders | Fungus Feeders |
| Regions | West Africa, East Africa | Africa |
| Conservation | Not Evaluated | Least Concern |
West African Fungus-Growing Termite
A widespread African termite that builds large above-ground mounds and farms Termitomyces fungi. They are an important food source for humans and wildlife across West Africa.
Did You Know?
Their winged reproductive alates are collected and roasted as a protein-rich delicacy during annual swarming events.
Macrotermes Queen
Queens can live for over 25 years (possibly up to 50) and grow to enormous size — a single queen lays up to 30,000 eggs per day, more than any other insect.
Did You Know?
A Macrotermes queen can live 25-50 years and produce up to 30,000 eggs per day — her abdomen swells so large that she becomes physically incapable of moving.