Size & Characteristics: |
Oriental cockroach adult males are about 1 in (25 mm)
long; females are about 1 1/4 in (32 mm) long. Males' wings cover
75% of abdomen, females' wings are much smaller. |
Color: |
Usually shiny black, but varies somewhat, and can go to a dark reddish
brown. |
Geographic Range: |
In spite of common name, probably from north Africa; also known
as a "shad roach", "black beetle", or "water
bug"; found around the world. |
Comparison with other species: |
Smoky brown cockroach: wings extend to tip of abdomen. American
cockroach/Australian and brown cockroaches: wings extend to tip of
abdomen, pale markings; American is also larger. Other roaches: smaller
or larger, with fully developed wings, not uniformly black, and/or
not found in buildings. |
Habitat: |
Outdoors under stones, in leaf litter and other debris; indoors
in spaces within walls, crawl spaces, basements, floor drains. This
roach may sometimes crawl up along water pipes to the second floor. |
Food: |
Oriental cockroaches feed on all kinds of food, especially starchy
ones. They also eat organic matter that is in the process of decaying. |
Biology: |
Female usually deposits her egg capsule within about a day (up
to 5) after its formation. It may be dropped onto or glued to a surface
that is warm and protected, and near a source of food. She will produce
on average about 8 egg capsules (16 eggs each) during her life. Development
from egg to adult varies depending on temperature; at room temperature
it takes about 20 months. Adults live from about 1 to 6 months. |
Invasion: |
Oriental cockroaches survive well outdoors in many areas, even after
week of freezing weather. They enter around doors, along pipes and
air ducts, through drains and unscreened ventilation openings. |
Damage: |
Like other roaches, the Oriental cockroach is a nuisance to humans,
and feeds on filth. This species also has a strong odor. |
