Sand Cockroach vs Indian Fungus-growing Termite

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Sand Cockroach Indian Fungus-growing Termite
Scientific Name Arenivaga investigata Odontotermes obesus
Order Blattodea Blattodea
Family Corydiidae Termitidae
Size 15-25 mm Workers 4-6 mm, soldiers 7-10 mm
Habitat Deserts & Drylands Farmland
Diet Detritivores Fungus Feeders
Regions North America India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka
Conservation Least Concern Not Evaluated

Sand Cockroach

A desert cockroach that extracts water vapor from moist sand through special mouthparts.

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Did You Know?

It can absorb atmospheric water vapor at humidities as low as 83 percent.

Indian Fungus-growing Termite

A major fungus-cultivating termite pest in the Indian subcontinent. It causes significant damage to crops, trees, and wooden structures.

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Did You Know?

It is considered one of the most economically destructive termite species in South Asia.