Arid-land Subterranean Termite vs Domino Cockroach

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Arid-land Subterranean Termite Domino Cockroach
Scientific Name Reticulitermes tibialis Therea petiveriana
Order Blattodea Blattodea
Family Rhinotermitidae Blaberidae
Size Workers 3-4 mm, soldiers 4-5 mm 25-30 mm
Habitat Caves Indoors
Diet Wood Feeders Fruit Feeders
Regions Western and central United States India (southern regions)
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.

Domino Cockroach

A strikingly patterned cockroach with white spots on a black body. The nymphs are ground-dwelling and resemble beetles.

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Did You Know?

Its bold white-on-black domino pattern is thought to mimic toxic ground beetles as a defense against predators.