Iberian Subterranean Termite vs Black Hissing Cockroach

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Iberian Subterranean Termite Black Hissing Cockroach
Scientific Name Reticulitermes grassei Gromphadorhina picea
Order Blattodea Blattodea
Family Rhinotermitidae Blaberidae
Size 4-5 mm 45-60 mm
Habitat Caves Woodlands
Diet Gall Makers Fruit Feeders
Regions Spain, Portugal, southwestern France Madagascar
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Iberian Subterranean Termite

A subterranean termite found in the Iberian Peninsula and southwestern France. Colonies build underground galleries in soil and infest wooden structures. The species is of growing economic concern in southern Europe.

💡

Did You Know?

This species has been found infesting ancient Roman ruins and medieval castles across Iberia, slowly destroying irreplaceable archaeological timbers.

Black Hissing Cockroach

A smaller species of hissing cockroach with a uniformly dark brown to black coloration and less prominent pronotal bumps compared to other Gromphadorhina species.

💡

Did You Know?

Its Latin name 'picea' means pitch-black, describing its distinctively dark coloration compared to its congeners.