Giant Northern Termite vs Cuban Burrowing Cockroach
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Giant Northern Termite | Cuban Burrowing Cockroach |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Mastotermes darwiniensis | Byrsotria fumigata |
| Order | Blattodea | Blattodea |
| Family | Mastotermitidae | Blaberidae |
| Size | 10-15mm | 30-40 mm |
| Habitat | Forests | Woodlands |
| Diet | Wood Feeders | Herbivores |
| Regions | Oceania | Cuba, Caribbean |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Not Evaluated |
Giant Northern Termite
The most primitive living termite and the only surviving member of its family. It retains many cockroach-like features including laying eggs in cockroach-like oothecae. It is extremely destructive to timber.
Did You Know?
It is a living fossil, the most primitive termite alive, retaining cockroach-like features that link termites to their ancestors.
Cuban Burrowing Cockroach
A stocky burrowing cockroach native to Cuba. It spends most of its life underground in tropical soils.
Did You Know?
When disturbed, it emits a strong musty odor from defensive glands as a deterrent to predators.