Processional Termite vs Wahlberg's Cockroach

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Processional Termite Wahlberg's Cockroach
Scientific Name Hospitalitermes medioflavus Deropeltis wahlbergi
Order Blattodea Blattodea
Family Termitidae Blattidae
Size 3-5 mm 25-35 mm
Habitat Forests Grasslands
Diet Omnivores Detritivores
Regions Borneo, Peninsular Malaysia Southern Africa (South Africa, Mozambique)
Conservation Least Concern Not Evaluated

Processional Termite

An open-trail foraging termite found in Borneo's rainforests that travels in long exposed columns through the forest. Workers carry balls of lichen and soil in their mandibles back to the nest. The species is notable for its bold, exposed foraging behavior.

💡

Did You Know?

Workers carry a conspicuous ball of food material on their heads during the return march, making the foraging columns look like miniature processions.

Wahlberg's Cockroach

A medium-sized black cockroach with orange wing margins found in southern Africa. It is named after the Swedish naturalist Johan August Wahlberg.

💡

Did You Know?

It curls up defensively like a pillbug when handled, a behavior unusual among cockroaches.