Snapping Termite vs Giant Cave Cockroach

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Snapping Termite Giant Cave Cockroach
Scientific Name Termes hospes Blaberus giganteus
Order Blattodea Blattodea
Family Termitidae Blaberidae
Size 4-6 mm 65-100 mm
Habitat Forests Forests
Diet Root Feeders Fruit Feeders
Regions West Africa, Central Africa Central America, northern South America
Conservation Least Concern Not Evaluated

Snapping Termite

An African soil-feeding termite common in forest and savanna soils. Soldiers possess powerful snapping mandibles that can inflict painful bites. Colonies are subterranean and contribute significantly to soil processing.

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Did You Know?

The snapping mandibles of soldiers work like loaded springs, storing elastic energy that is released in a rapid strike capable of killing ant attackers.

Giant Cave Cockroach

One of the world's largest cockroach species, with a wingspan reaching 15 cm. It inhabits caves and dark forest environments in Central and South America.

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Did You Know?

It is sometimes called the Brazilian cockroach and is among the longest-bodied cockroach species in the world.