Turkestan Cockroach vs Western Subterranean Termite

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Turkestan Cockroach Western Subterranean Termite
Scientific Name Shelfordella lateralis Reticulitermes hesperus
Order Blattodea Blattodea
Family Blattidae Rhinotermitidae
Size 20-30 mm 4–8 mm
Habitat Underground Underground
Diet Omnivores Wood Feeders
Regions Asia, North America, Europe Western North America
Conservation Least Concern Not Evaluated

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.

Western Subterranean Termite

The most common structural pest termite in western North America. Colonies build extensive underground tunnel networks connecting to above-ground wood sources.

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Did You Know?

A single colony can contain over one million individuals and forage across an area of half an acre.