Arid-land Subterranean Termite vs Centurion Cockroach

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Arid-land Subterranean Termite Centurion Cockroach
Scientific Name Reticulitermes tibialis Gyna centurio
Order Blattodea Blattodea
Family Rhinotermitidae Blaberidae
Size Workers 3-4 mm, soldiers 4-5 mm 25-35 mm
Habitat Caves Forests
Diet Wood Feeders Fruit Feeders
Regions Western and central United States Central Africa (Cameroon, Gabon)
Conservation Not Evaluated Not Evaluated

Arid-land Subterranean Termite

A subterranean termite adapted to dry conditions in the western United States. It builds mud tubes across exposed surfaces to maintain humidity.

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Did You Know?

It thrives in desert conditions where annual rainfall is less than 250 mm by deeply tapping soil moisture.

Centurion Cockroach

A colorful African cockroach with orange and brown markings on its pronotum. It is named for the helmet-like appearance of its thorax.

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Did You Know?

Its centurion name comes from the Roman helmet-shaped marking on its pronotum.