American Cockroach
Scientific Name: Periplaneta americana
Other Common Names: Palmetto Bug, Waterbug
Species documented in 1758 by Linnaeus.
Description
The large winged American
Cockroach can grow to a length of 4cm. They have a flattened oval shape body and spiny legs.
Reproduction/Lifecycle
From birth to death, these cockroaches are able to live for up to 2 to 3 years.
Female cockroaches deposit eggs in an oothecae, usually close to a source of food. The
capsules (oothecae) are formed each week until approximately 6 to 14 have been deposited. Eggs
take around 5 to 7 weeks to hatch.
Habitat
They prefer damp conditions, and prefer warmer climates.
This species will live inside houses where they are considered a pest.
Diet
Scavenging on
most food sources. This species is also reported to feed on books or clothing.
Miscellaneous
This species of cockroach was introduced to Australia from an unknown
location (Australian Faunal Directory, 2007).
Found in:
NSW,NT,QLD,SA,TAS,VIC,WA,
References/Bibliography:
CSIRO, 2006.
Periplaneta americana, CSIRO. Available from:
<http://www.ento.csiro.au/aicn/system/c_480.htm> [Accessed 19th January 2007]
Department of the Environment and Heritage, 2006. Australian Faunal
Directory. Australian Government. Available from: <http://www.deh.gov.au/cgi-
bin/abrs/fauna/details.pl?pstrVol=BLATTODEA;pstrTaxa=938;pstrChecklistMode=2> [Accessed 19th
January 2007]
Road, Kenny. 1991. American Cockroach, Ohio State
University. Available from: <http://ohioline.osu.edu/hyg-fact/2000/2096.html> [Accessed
19th January 2007]
