Dark Mound Termite vs Brown Cockroach

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Dark Mound Termite Brown Cockroach
Scientific Name Macrotermes carbonarius Periplaneta brunnea
Order Blattodea Blattodea
Family Termitidae Blattidae
Size 5–12 mm 25-35 mm
Habitat Woodlands Underground
Diet Fungus Feeders Omnivores
Regions Southeast Asia Pantropical, southeastern United States
Conservation Not Evaluated Not Evaluated

Dark Mound Termite

A large fungus-growing termite found across Southeast Asia that builds conspicuous dark mounds. Workers process dead wood through underground fungal gardens.

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Did You Know?

The Termitomyces mushrooms that fruit from its mounds are prized as a delicacy across Southeast Asia.

Brown Cockroach

A glossy reddish-brown cockroach often confused with the American cockroach. It is slightly smaller with a more uniform color.

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Did You Know?

It glues its egg cases to surfaces rather than dropping them, unlike the American cockroach.