Mound-building Termite vs Indian Domino Cockroach

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Mound-building Termite Indian Domino Cockroach
Scientific Name Macrotermes gilvus Therea regularis
Order Blattodea Blattodea
Family Termitidae Corydiidae
Size 5-12 mm 25-30mm
Habitat Farmland Heathland
Diet Fungus Feeders Omnivores
Regions Southeast Asia, from India to the Philippines Asia
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Mound-building Termite

A fungus-growing termite widespread across Southeast Asia that builds subterranean to semi-subterranean nests with low mound structures. It is a significant pest of rubber, coconut, and oil palm plantations. Workers forage via covered galleries.

💡

Did You Know?

In parts of Thailand and Laos, the winged reproductives of this species are fried and eaten as a popular seasonal snack during the early rainy season.

Indian Domino Cockroach

A striking wingless cockroach with bold white spots on a jet-black body resembling domino tiles. Nymphs burrow in soil while adults live on the surface. It mimics toxic ground beetles for protection.

💡

Did You Know?

Its bold black-and-white pattern mimics toxic ground beetles in the genus Anthia, deterring predators.