American Cockroach vs Termitophilous Rove Beetle
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | American Cockroach | Termitophilous Rove Beetle |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Periplaneta americana | Corotoca melantho |
| Order | Blattodea | Coleoptera |
| Family | Blattidae | Staphylinidae |
| Size | 35-53 mm | 5-8 mm (body length without physogastric abdomen) |
| Habitat | Gardens | Woodlands |
| Diet | Omnivores | Omnivores |
| Regions | Worldwide | Brazil, tropical South America |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
American Cockroach
Despite its name, native to Africa. One of the largest common cockroaches. Can run at 5.4 km/h — proportionally, one of the fastest land insects. Can survive weeks without its head.
Did You Know?
A cockroach can live for a week without its head — it breathes through spiracles on its body and only dies because it cannot drink water.
Termitophilous Rove Beetle
A bizarre, physogastric rove beetle that lives inside termite nests in Brazil. The female's abdomen becomes enormously swollen and translucent, resembling a termite queen in miniature.
Did You Know?
This is one of the only beetles known to give live birth (viviparity); fully formed larvae emerge from the female rather than eggs.