Savanna Cubitermes vs Madeira Cockroach

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Savanna Cubitermes Madeira Cockroach
Scientific Name Cubitermes severus Leucophaea maderae
Order Blattodea Blattodea
Family Termitidae Blaberidae
Size 4-6 mm 40-50mm
Habitat Grasslands Underground
Diet Fungus Feeders Omnivores
Regions West Africa Africa, South America, North America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Savanna Cubitermes

A soil-feeding termite building characteristic mushroom-shaped mounds in West African savannas. Workers process large amounts of mineral soil for organic nutrients. The distinctive mound cap sheds rainwater away from the colony.

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Did You Know?

The mound's cap structure is added in stages, with each new layer extending outward like an umbrella to protect lower portions from heavy tropical rains.

Madeira Cockroach

A large pale brown cockroach that emits a foul-smelling liquid when disturbed. It cannot climb smooth surfaces. Originally from West Africa, it has become established in tropical regions worldwide.

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Did You Know?

It sprays a noxious defensive liquid from abdominal glands that smells terrible and stains skin.