European Dampwood Termite vs Woodlouse Cockroach

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute European Dampwood Termite Woodlouse Cockroach
Scientific Name Kalotermes flavicollis Prosoplecta semperi
Order Blattodea Blattodea
Family Kalotermitidae Ectobiidae
Size 6–9 mm 5-8mm
Habitat Grasslands Forests
Diet Wood Feeders Predators
Regions Southern Europe, North Africa, Western Asia Asia
Conservation Not Evaluated Least Concern

European Dampwood Termite

The most widespread termite in Europe, inhabiting dead branches of oaks and other broadleaf trees. Colonies are small, typically with a few hundred individuals.

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Did You Know?

It is the only termite native to most of Europe and has been known since Aristotle first described termites.

Woodlouse Cockroach

A tiny rounded cockroach that strongly resembles a ladybird beetle with its domed shape and red-orange coloring with black spots. It is a harmless forest floor species. Its mimicry deters predators.

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Did You Know?

It so closely resembles a ladybird that even entomologists can be fooled until they look at it under magnification.