Exploding Termite vs Dusky Cockroach
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Exploding Termite | Dusky Cockroach |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Neocapritermes taracua | Periplaneta nigra |
| Order | Blattodea | Blattodea |
| Family | Termitidae | Blattidae |
| Size | 4-6 mm | 25-32 mm |
| Habitat | Caves | Forests |
| Diet | Omnivores | Herbivores |
| Regions | French Guiana, northern South America | Sub-Saharan Africa |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Not Evaluated |
Exploding Termite
A soil-feeding termite from French Guiana known for workers that carry backpack-like pouches of toxic crystals. When attacked, older workers rupture these pouches to release a sticky, toxic substance. This is the first documented case of worker autothysis in termites.
Did You Know?
Older workers develop blue crystal backpacks on their abdomens that become more toxic with age, essentially turning elderly workers into walking chemical weapons.
Dusky Cockroach
A dark-colored cockroach closely related to the American cockroach. It inhabits tropical forests across Africa.
Did You Know?
It can often be found sharing habitats with the American cockroach in African port cities.