Cuban Burrowing Cockroach vs Malagasy Drywood Termite

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Cuban Burrowing Cockroach Malagasy Drywood Termite
Scientific Name Byrsotria fumigata Cryptotermes kirbyi
Order Blattodea Blattodea
Family Blaberidae Kalotermitidae
Size 30-40 mm 4-6 mm
Habitat Woodlands Woodlands
Diet Herbivores Wood Feeders
Regions Cuba, Caribbean Madagascar
Conservation Not Evaluated Least Concern

Cuban Burrowing Cockroach

A stocky burrowing cockroach native to Cuba. It spends most of its life underground in tropical soils.

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Did You Know?

When disturbed, it emits a strong musty odor from defensive glands as a deterrent to predators.

Malagasy Drywood Termite

A small drywood termite that forms compact colonies inside dead branches and timber. Soldiers have distinctive phragmotic heads used to block tunnel entrances.

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Did You Know?

Soldiers use their heavily armored, plug-shaped heads as living barricades to block gallery entrances against invading ants.