Turkestan Cockroach vs Nevada Dampwood Termite

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Turkestan Cockroach Nevada Dampwood Termite
Scientific Name Shelfordella lateralis Zootermopsis nevadensis
Order Blattodea Blattodea
Family Blattidae Archotermopsidae
Size 20-30 mm 10-18 mm
Habitat Underground Woodlands
Diet Omnivores Wood Feeders
Regions Asia, North America, Europe Western United States, from Montana to California
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Turkestan Cockroach

A medium-sized cockroach originally from Central Asia that is rapidly displacing the oriental cockroach in many urban areas. Males are slender with tan wings while females are dark and wingless.

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Did You Know?

The Turkestan cockroach has become the most common outdoor cockroach in the southwestern United States, having largely outcompeted the oriental cockroach in just a few decades.

Nevada Dampwood Termite

A large dampwood termite found in mountainous regions of western North America. Colonies inhabit moist, decaying wood of coniferous and deciduous trees. The species is notable for its primitive social organization and flexible caste determination.

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Did You Know?

Individuals in this species can change between worker and soldier castes depending on colony needs, showing remarkable developmental flexibility.