Tropical Rough-headed Drywood Termite vs Madeira Cockroach

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Tropical Rough-headed Drywood Termite Madeira Cockroach
Scientific Name Cryptotermes dudleyi Leucophaea maderae
Order Blattodea Blattodea
Family Kalotermitidae Blaberidae
Size Workers 4-5 mm, soldiers 4-5 mm 40-50mm
Habitat Woodlands Underground
Diet Wood Feeders Omnivores
Regions Pantropical (Africa, Asia, Pacific Islands) Africa, South America, North America
Conservation Not Evaluated Least Concern

Tropical Rough-headed Drywood Termite

A pantropical drywood termite that infests dead wood and structural timber. Soldiers have a distinctive rough, phragmotic head used to block nest tunnels.

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Did You Know?

Soldiers use their plug-shaped heads to physically block tunnel entrances, preventing ant invasions.

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.