Field Cockroach vs Javanese Subterranean Termite

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Field Cockroach Javanese Subterranean Termite
Scientific Name Blattella vaga Schedorhinotermes javanicus
Order Blattodea Blattodea
Family Ectobiidae Rhinotermitidae
Size 10-14 mm 4-8 mm
Habitat Deserts & Drylands Woodlands
Diet Herbivores Wood Feeders
Regions Southwestern United States, Mexico Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Philippines
Conservation Not Evaluated Least Concern

Field Cockroach

A small cockroach similar to the German cockroach but with a dark face. It lives outdoors in irrigated areas of the southwestern United States.

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Did You Know?

Its dark facial markings are the easiest way to distinguish it from the indoor-dwelling German cockroach.

Javanese Subterranean Termite

A subterranean termite found throughout Southeast Asia with a distinctive dimorphic soldier caste consisting of both major and minor soldiers. Major soldiers have large, sickle-shaped mandibles while minor soldiers have smaller heads. Colonies nest in soil and dead wood.

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Did You Know?

The two distinct soldier types work cooperatively in defense, with minor soldiers forming a fast-response first line while major soldiers deliver powerful crushing bites.