Canaliculatus Termite vs African Nasute Mound Termite

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Canaliculatus Termite African Nasute Mound Termite
Scientific Name Reticulitermes chinensis Nasutitermes latifrons
Order Blattodea Blattodea
Family Rhinotermitidae Termitidae
Size 4-5 mm 4-6 mm
Habitat Caves Forests
Diet Wood Feeders Wood Feeders
Regions China, Vietnam West Africa, Central Africa
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Canaliculatus Termite

A subterranean termite widespread across China and one of the primary structural pest species in Chinese cities. Colonies infest wooden structures, books, and historical artifacts. Workers are small and pale with efficient cellulose digestion.

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Did You Know?

This species has caused significant damage to Chinese historical wooden architecture, including ancient temples and traditional courtyard houses.

African Nasute Mound Termite

A mound-building nasute termite found in West and Central African forests. Colonies construct carton mounds at ground level or on tree bases. Soldiers have a broad head with a short, wide nasute projection for spraying defensive terpenes.

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Did You Know?

The defensive secretion of nasute soldiers contains terpene compounds that are not only sticky but also toxic to small arthropod predators.