Somali Harvester Termite vs Madeira Cockroach

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Somali Harvester Termite Madeira Cockroach
Scientific Name Hodotermes sjoestedti Leucophaea maderae
Order Blattodea Blattodea
Family Hodotermitidae Blaberidae
Size 8-12 mm 40-50mm
Habitat Grasslands Underground
Diet Omnivores Omnivores
Regions Somalia, Ethiopia, Kenya Africa, South America, North America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Somali Harvester Termite

A harvester termite found in the dry grasslands and semi-deserts of the Horn of Africa. Like other hodotermitids, workers have pigmented eyes and forage on the surface. Colonies build deep subterranean nests to access water tables.

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Did You Know?

Their nests can extend over 10 meters deep underground, reaching moisture levels necessary for colony survival in arid environments.

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.