Bioluminescent Cockroach vs Anceps Termite

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Bioluminescent Cockroach Anceps Termite
Scientific Name Lucihormetica verrucosa Ancistrotermes cavithorax
Order Blattodea Blattodea
Family Blaberidae Termitidae
Size 20-28 mm 3-5 mm
Habitat Forests Gardens
Diet Fungus Feeders Fungus Feeders
Regions South America Sub-Saharan Africa
Conservation Data Deficient Least Concern

Bioluminescent Cockroach

A cockroach with two glowing spots on its pronotum that mimic toxic click beetles.

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Did You Know?

Its bioluminescence is thought to be Batesian mimicry of toxic Pyrophorus beetles.

Anceps Termite

A fungus-growing termite common across Sub-Saharan Africa, often sharing habitat with larger Macrotermes species. Colonies build small subterranean nests with fungus gardens. Workers are small and forage under covered tunnels.

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Did You Know?

This species sometimes constructs its nest directly adjacent to or even within the larger mound of Macrotermes, living as a neighbor without conflict.