About Milk Termite
A large subterranean termite from tropical Australia with two distinct soldier sizes. Major soldiers have large mandibles while minor soldiers are smaller.
Did You Know?
It gets its common name from the milky white secretion that soldiers exude when the colony is disturbed.
How to Identify Milk Termite
Milk Termite (Schedorhinotermes lamanianus) belongs to the order Blattodea, family Rhinotermitidae. Adults typically measure Workers 4-5 mm, major soldiers 7-8 mm.
Milk Termite Habitat
Milk Termite is found in caves habitats, particularly across Northern Australia. This species has adapted to thrive in its preferred environment, where it can find suitable food sources and shelter.
Milk Termite Diet and Feeding
Milk Termite feeds on wood and bark, often boring into timber. Wood-feeding insects contribute to the decomposition of dead trees and nutrient cycling in forest ecosystems.
Where Is Milk Termite Found?
Milk Termite can be found in Northern Australia, where it inhabits caves environments. Its distribution is influenced by climate, food availability, and habitat suitability.
Distribution Map
Where Milk Termite can be found
Is Milk Termite Dangerous?
Milk Termite is generally harmless to humans. It does not bite or sting and poses no significant health risk. Like most insects, it prefers to avoid human contact and will typically flee rather than confront a perceived threat.
Milk Termite Role in Nature
Milk Termite is part of the food web as a primary consumer, feeding on plant material. It serves as an important food source for birds, bats, amphibians, and other insectivores, connecting plant energy to higher trophic levels.
Seasonal Activity
Frequently Asked Questions About Milk Termite
What does Milk Termite look like?
The Milk Termite typically measures Workers 4-5 mm, major soldiers 7-8 mm.
Where is Milk Termite found?
The Milk Termite is found in Northern Australia and typically inhabits caves environments.
What does Milk Termite eat?
The Milk Termite feeds on wood and bark, often boring into timber.
Is Milk Termite dangerous to humans?
The Milk Termite is generally harmless to humans. It does not bite or sting and poses no significant health risk.
Is Milk Termite endangered?
The Milk Termite is currently classified as Not Evaluated by conservation assessments. Habitat loss and environmental changes are among the primary threats to its population.
What is an interesting fact about Milk Termite?
It gets its common name from the milky white secretion that soldiers exude when the colony is disturbed.
Cite This Page
APA:
InsectDiscover. (2026). Milk Termite (Schedorhinotermes lamanianus). Retrieved from https://insectdiscover.com/insect/milk-termite
MLA:
"Milk Termite." InsectDiscover, https://insectdiscover.com/insect/milk-termite.