American Cockroach vs Voeltzkow's Nasute Termite
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | American Cockroach | Voeltzkow's Nasute Termite |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Periplaneta americana | Nasutitermes voeltzkowi |
| Order | Blattodea | Blattodea |
| Family | Blattidae | Termitidae |
| Size | 35-53 mm | 4-6 mm |
| Habitat | Gardens | Woodlands |
| Diet | Omnivores | Wood Feeders |
| Regions | Worldwide | East Africa, Madagascar |
| 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.
Voeltzkow's Nasute Termite
An African nasute termite common in East African savanna and woodland. Colonies build conspicuous dark carton nests on trees or construct mound nests on the ground. Workers forage in covered runways along tree trunks and branches.
Did You Know?
The carton nest material is made from chewed wood fibers mixed with fecal matter, creating a remarkably hard and weather-resistant structure.