Magnetic Termite vs Bark Cockroach

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Magnetic Termite Bark Cockroach
Scientific Name Amitermes meridionalis Laxta granicollis
Order Blattodea Blattodea
Family Termitidae Blaberidae
Size 4-6 mm 20-30 mm
Habitat Forests Woodlands
Diet Omnivores Wood Feeders
Regions Oceania Oceania
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Magnetic Termite

Builds tall wedge-shaped mounds precisely oriented on a north-south axis to regulate internal temperature. The flat sides face east-west to warm in the morning and cool in the afternoon.

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Did You Know?

Every magnetic termite mound in northern Australia points the same direction — perfectly north-south like compass needles, to regulate internal temperature throughout the day.

Bark Cockroach

A flat oval cockroach that lives exclusively under eucalyptus bark.

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Did You Know?

Its extremely flat body allows it to squeeze into bark crevices just one millimeter wide.