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AMERICAN COCKROACH FACTS |
Identification
The American Cockroach is reddish brown with a yellowish margin on the body region behind the head. Immature cockroaches are similar to adults but have no wings. They are fast moving insects and scuttle for cover when disturbed. It dos not have yellow on the edges of the wing covers like the Australian Cockroach (P. australasiae)
Size
length to 40mm
Habitat
American cockroaches prefer moist areas, but can live in dry areas with access to water. They enter homes when foraging for food and water. They are often seen in gardens, around garbage, and in sheds or garages.
Food
omnivores that feed on a wide variety of plant and animal material.
Breeding
The female lays eggs in a hard egg case called an ootheca. Females carry the ootheca protruding from the tip of the abdomen for about two days before placing it on a surface in a hidden location. The young nymphs hatch out as smaller versions of the adult cockroach.
Range
The American cockroach is common in tropical climates. It is found in the southern United States, hence the common name, but it may have originated in Africa. It has been transported to various parts of the world through shipping.
Classification
| Class: | Insecta | | Order: | Blattodea | | Family: | Blattidae | | Genus: | Periplaneta | | Species: | americana | | Common Name: | American Cockroach |
Relatives in same Genus
Australian Cockroach (P. australasiae)
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