Sand Cockroach vs Malaysian Subterranean Termite

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Sand Cockroach Malaysian Subterranean Termite
Scientific Name Arenivaga investigata Coptotermes curvignathus
Order Blattodea Blattodea
Family Corydiidae Rhinotermitidae
Size 15-25 mm Workers 4-5 mm, soldiers 5-7 mm
Habitat Deserts & Drylands Caves
Diet Detritivores Wood Feeders
Regions North America Malaysia, Indonesia, Southeast Asia
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.

Malaysian Subterranean Termite

An aggressive subterranean termite that attacks living trees and wooden structures in Southeast Asia. Soldiers have distinctly curved mandibles.

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Did You Know?

It is a major pest of rubber and oil palm plantations, attacking healthy living trees from below ground.