Glowspot Cockroach vs African Dampwood Termite

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Glowspot Cockroach African Dampwood Termite
Scientific Name Lucihormetica subcincta Neotermes aburiensis
Order Blattodea Blattodea
Family Blaberidae Kalotermitidae
Size 30-40mm 5-10 mm
Habitat Forests Woodlands
Diet Detritivores Wood Feeders
Regions South America West Africa (Ghana, Nigeria, Ivory Coast, Cameroon)
Conservation Data Deficient Least Concern

Glowspot Cockroach

A large dark cockroach with two glowing yellow-green spots on its pronotum produced by bioluminescent bacteria. The glowing spots mimic the toxic click beetle's warning lights. It is a forest floor dweller.

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Did You Know?

Its glowing spots mimic toxic bioluminescent click beetles, making predators think it is dangerous to eat.

African Dampwood Termite

A primitive termite species that nests inside damp, rotting wood rather than building external mounds. Colonies are relatively small compared to mound-building species. Soldiers have large phragmotic heads used to block tunnel entrances.

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Did You Know?

Soldiers use their flattened heads like a cork to plug tunnel openings, providing an impenetrable barrier against ant raids.