Emerald Cockroach vs African Harvester Termite

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Emerald Cockroach African Harvester Termite
Scientific Name Pseudoglomeris magnifica Microhodotermes viator
Order Blattodea Blattodea
Family Blaberidae Hodotermitidae
Size 20-25mm 6-10 mm
Habitat Forests Heathland
Diet Omnivores Herbivores
Regions Asia Western Cape, South Africa
Conservation Data Deficient Least Concern

Emerald Cockroach

A stunning cockroach with brilliant metallic emerald-green coloring. It is one of the most beautiful cockroach species in the world. It rolls into a ball like a pill bug when threatened.

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Did You Know?

It can curl into a perfect ball like an armadillo, and its emerald green sheen rivals the beauty of any jewel beetle.

African Harvester Termite

A harvester termite found in the fynbos and semi-arid regions of the Western Cape in South Africa. Workers have pigmented eyes and forage on the surface for grass and plant material. Colonies build subterranean nests with extensive tunnel systems.

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Did You Know?

This species creates 'heuweltjies' (small mounds) in the fynbos landscape that are visible in satellite imagery and may persist for thousands of years.