Bioluminescent Cockroach vs Compass Termite

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Bioluminescent Cockroach Compass Termite
Scientific Name Lucihormetica verrucosa Amitermes laurensis
Order Blattodea Blattodea
Family Blaberidae Termitidae
Size 20-28 mm 4-6mm
Habitat Forests Grasslands
Diet Fungus Feeders Herbivores
Regions South America Oceania
Conservation Data Deficient Least Concern

Bioluminescent Cockroach

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

💡

Did You Know?

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

Compass Termite

A termite that builds wedge-shaped mounds oriented east-west, exposing the broad face to the morning and evening sun. This orientation helps regulate internal temperature. Mounds dot the Cape York landscape.

💡

Did You Know?

Its mound orientation is the opposite of the magnetic termite, with the broad face pointing east-west.