South American Tree Termite vs Centurion Cockroach

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute South American Tree Termite Centurion Cockroach
Scientific Name Nasutitermes similis Gyna centurio
Order Blattodea Blattodea
Family Termitidae Blaberidae
Size 4-6 mm 25-35 mm
Habitat Forests Forests
Diet Gall Makers Fruit Feeders
Regions Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay Central Africa (Cameroon, Gabon)
Conservation Least Concern Not Evaluated

South American Tree Termite

A common Neotropical nasute termite building carton nests on trees throughout South American forests. Colonies are moderately large with well-organized soldier defense. Workers forage along covered galleries on tree bark.

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Did You Know?

Multiple carton nests of this species in a single tree can be interconnected by covered highways running along branches, forming a super-colony network.

Centurion Cockroach

A colorful African cockroach with orange and brown markings on its pronotum. It is named for the helmet-like appearance of its thorax.

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Did You Know?

Its centurion name comes from the Roman helmet-shaped marking on its pronotum.