West African Fungus-Growing Termite vs Tropical Rough-headed Drywood Termite
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | West African Fungus-Growing Termite | Tropical Rough-headed Drywood Termite |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Macrotermes subhyalinus | Cryptotermes dudleyi |
| Order | Blattodea | Blattodea |
| Family | Termitidae | Kalotermitidae |
| Size | 3-18 mm | Workers 4-5 mm, soldiers 4-5 mm |
| Habitat | Deserts & Drylands | Woodlands |
| Diet | Fungus Feeders | Wood Feeders |
| Regions | West Africa, East Africa | Pantropical (Africa, Asia, Pacific Islands) |
| Conservation | Not Evaluated | Not Evaluated |
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.
Tropical Rough-headed Drywood Termite
A pantropical drywood termite that infests dead wood and structural timber. Soldiers have a distinctive rough, phragmotic head used to block nest tunnels.
Did You Know?
Soldiers use their plug-shaped heads to physically block tunnel entrances, preventing ant invasions.