Dark Southern Subterranean Termite vs Giant Burrowing Cockroach
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Dark Southern Subterranean Termite | Giant Burrowing Cockroach |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Reticulitermes virginicus | Macropanesthia rhinoceros |
| Order | Blattodea | Blattodea |
| Family | Rhinotermitidae | Blaberidae |
| Size | Workers 3-4 mm, soldiers 4-5 mm | 60-80 mm |
| Habitat | Caves | Woodlands |
| Diet | Wood Feeders | Herbivores |
| Regions | Southeastern United States | Oceania |
| Conservation | Not Evaluated | Least Concern |
Dark Southern Subterranean Termite
A common subterranean termite in the southeastern United States. It is smaller and less destructive than the eastern subterranean termite but still causes significant damage.
Did You Know?
It often coexists with the eastern subterranean termite, with both species found in the same logs.
Giant Burrowing Cockroach
The worlds heaviest cockroach species at up to 35 grams and 80 mm long. Native to Australia, it digs permanent burrows up to 1 meter deep and cares for its young.
Did You Know?
Unlike the pest cockroaches people dread, this species is a devoted parent — mothers carry live young on their backs and raise them in underground burrows for nine months.