Exploding Termite vs Giant Lobster Cockroach
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Exploding Termite | Giant Lobster Cockroach |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Neocapritermes taracua | Henschoutedenia flexivitta |
| Order | Blattodea | Blattodea |
| Family | Termitidae | Blaberidae |
| Size | 4-6 mm | 50-65 mm |
| Habitat | Caves | Forests |
| Diet | Omnivores | Fruit Feeders |
| Regions | French Guiana, northern South America | Central and West 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.
Giant Lobster Cockroach
A large African cockroach with a broad, flattened body. It has distinctive banded markings across its wings.
Did You Know?
It gets its lobster name from its broad, flattened body shape and reddish-brown coloring.