Ivory-headed Cockroach vs Microtermes Subterranean Termite

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Ivory-headed Cockroach Microtermes Subterranean Termite
Scientific Name Eublaberus posticus Microtermes obesi
Order Blattodea Blattodea
Family Blaberidae Termitidae
Size 40-50mm 2-4 mm
Habitat Caves Caves
Diet Detritivores Root Feeders
Regions South America India, Pakistan, Middle East
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Ivory-headed Cockroach

A large cockroach with a distinctive cream-colored pronotum contrasting with dark brown wings. It is a burrowing species that digs into soil and leaf litter. It is commonly used as a feeder insect.

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Did You Know?

Its pale ivory head contrasting with the dark body makes it look like it is wearing a tiny helmet.

Microtermes Subterranean Termite

A small fungus-growing termite widespread across South Asia and the Middle East. Unlike larger Macrotermes, colonies build entirely subterranean nests without visible mound structures. Workers are tiny and feed on root material and buried wood.

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Did You Know?

Despite being among the smallest termites, colonies of this species are major agricultural pests, attacking wheat and sugarcane roots from below ground.