Asian Subterranean Termite vs Egyptian Desert Cockroach

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Asian Subterranean Termite Egyptian Desert Cockroach
Scientific Name Coptotermes gestroi Polyphaga aegyptiaca
Order Blattodea Blattodea
Family Rhinotermitidae Corydiidae
Size 3-6 mm 20-30 mm
Habitat Caves Deserts & Drylands
Diet Wood Feeders Herbivores
Regions Southeast Asia, Caribbean, South America, Florida Africa, Middle East
Conservation Not Evaluated Least Concern

Asian Subterranean Termite

A highly invasive subterranean termite that has spread throughout tropical regions worldwide. They are especially destructive in urban environments and boat timbers.

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Did You Know?

They have been transported globally through infested shipping materials and now threaten wooden structures on every tropical continent.

Egyptian Desert Cockroach

A round, heavily armored cockroach found in North African and Middle Eastern deserts. It rolls into a ball when threatened, like a pill bug.

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Did You Know?

It can survive for months without food or water by entering a dormant state during the driest periods.