Pennsylvania Wood Cockroach vs Nevada Dampwood Termite

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Pennsylvania Wood Cockroach Nevada Dampwood Termite
Scientific Name Parcoblatta pensylvanica Zootermopsis nevadensis
Order Blattodea Blattodea
Family Ectobiidae Archotermopsidae
Size 15-25 mm 10-18 mm
Habitat Woodlands Woodlands
Diet Wood Feeders Wood Feeders
Regions North America Western United States, from Montana to California
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Pennsylvania Wood Cockroach

A native North American cockroach that lives outdoors in forests and woodlands. Males are strong fliers attracted to lights, while females are nearly wingless.

💡

Did You Know?

Unlike pest cockroaches, wood roaches do not infest homes and will actually die within a few days if trapped indoors due to insufficient humidity.

Nevada Dampwood Termite

A large dampwood termite found in mountainous regions of western North America. Colonies inhabit moist, decaying wood of coniferous and deciduous trees. The species is notable for its primitive social organization and flexible caste determination.

💡

Did You Know?

Individuals in this species can change between worker and soldier castes depending on colony needs, showing remarkable developmental flexibility.