South American Tree Termite vs Cuban Burrowing Cockroach

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute South American Tree Termite Cuban Burrowing Cockroach
Scientific Name Nasutitermes similis Byrsotria fumigata
Order Blattodea Blattodea
Family Termitidae Blaberidae
Size 4-6 mm 30-40 mm
Habitat Forests Woodlands
Diet Gall Makers Herbivores
Regions Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay Cuba, Caribbean
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.

Cuban Burrowing Cockroach

A stocky burrowing cockroach native to Cuba. It spends most of its life underground in tropical soils.

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Did You Know?

When disturbed, it emits a strong musty odor from defensive glands as a deterrent to predators.