Pill Cockroach vs Malagasy Drywood Termite

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Pill Cockroach Malagasy Drywood Termite
Scientific Name Perisphaerus pygmaeus Cryptotermes kirbyi
Order Blattodea Blattodea
Family Blaberidae Kalotermitidae
Size 8-12 mm 4-6 mm
Habitat Underground Woodlands
Diet Detritivores Wood Feeders
Regions Asia Madagascar
Conservation Data Deficient Least Concern

Pill Cockroach

A tiny cockroach that rolls into a perfect ball like a pillbug when threatened.

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Did You Know?

Nymphs cling to the mother and feed on secretions from her body surface.

Malagasy Drywood Termite

A small drywood termite that forms compact colonies inside dead branches and timber. Soldiers have distinctive phragmotic heads used to block tunnel entrances.

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Did You Know?

Soldiers use their heavily armored, plug-shaped heads as living barricades to block gallery entrances against invading ants.