Field Cockroach vs Malaysian Subterranean Termite

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Field Cockroach Malaysian Subterranean Termite
Scientific Name Blattella vaga Coptotermes curvignathus
Order Blattodea Blattodea
Family Ectobiidae Rhinotermitidae
Size 10-14 mm Workers 4-5 mm, soldiers 5-7 mm
Habitat Deserts & Drylands Caves
Diet Herbivores Wood Feeders
Regions Southwestern United States, Mexico Malaysia, Indonesia, Southeast Asia
Conservation Not Evaluated Not Evaluated

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.

Malaysian Subterranean Termite

An aggressive subterranean termite that attacks living trees and wooden structures in Southeast Asia. Soldiers have distinctly curved mandibles.

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Did You Know?

It is a major pest of rubber and oil palm plantations, attacking healthy living trees from below ground.