Dusky Cockroach vs Dark Southern Subterranean Termite

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Dusky Cockroach Dark Southern Subterranean Termite
Scientific Name Periplaneta nigra Reticulitermes virginicus
Order Blattodea Blattodea
Family Blattidae Rhinotermitidae
Size 25-32 mm Workers 3-4 mm, soldiers 4-5 mm
Habitat Forests Caves
Diet Herbivores Wood Feeders
Regions Sub-Saharan Africa Southeastern United States
Conservation Not Evaluated Not Evaluated

Dusky Cockroach

A dark-colored cockroach closely related to the American cockroach. It inhabits tropical forests across Africa.

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Did You Know?

It can often be found sharing habitats with the American cockroach in African port cities.

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.

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Did You Know?

It often coexists with the eastern subterranean termite, with both species found in the same logs.