Death's Head Cockroach vs New Zealand Glowworm
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Death's Head Cockroach | New Zealand Glowworm |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Blaberus craniifer | Arachnocampa luminosa |
| Order | Blattodea | Diptera |
| Family | Blaberidae | Keroplatidae |
| Size | 50-75mm | 30-40 mm (larvae) |
| Habitat | Caves | Caves |
| Diet | Fruit Feeders | Fungus Feeders |
| Regions | Central America, South America | Oceania |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Death's Head Cockroach
A large cockroach with a distinctive skull-like marking on its pronotum. It is a popular feeder insect and pet species. When disturbed it can produce a loud hissing sound by expelling air.
Did You Know?
The dark marking on its thorax closely resembles a human skull or vampire face, inspiring its morbid common name.
New Zealand Glowworm
A bioluminescent fungus gnat larva endemic to New Zealand. Produces blue-green light to lure prey into sticky silk threads dangling from cave ceilings.
Did You Know?
These glowworms use a completely different bioluminescent chemistry from fireflies — their luciferin is unique in the animal kingdom, derived from xanthurenic acid.