Australian cockroach, Periplaneta australasiae
(Blattodea: Blattidae)

This cockroach species measures about 1 1/4 to 1 3/8 inches (32-35 mm) long as an adult. It is reddish- to dark-brown with characteristic markings behind the head on the pronotal shield. On the front edge of the base of the forewing is a light-yellow band. The abdomen is colored with light and dark brown markings. The cerci are broad and blunt. Both sexes are fully winged and are good fliers.

The egg case (ootheca) is about 1/2 inch long and contains 24 to 28 eggs. A female can produce 20 to 30 ootheca during her lifetime. There are seven instars and the nymphs have light-yellow spots on top of the abdomen. Developmental time from egg to adult is about one year and an adult lives about five months.

Worldwide in distribution, this cockroach is abundant outdoors and in greenhouses, where it can damage plants. Except in the southern U.S. states, where is is also often found in residences, this species is mostly a pest in commercial buildings. Homeowners include the Australian cockroach in the group they call "palmetto bugs."

Images

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Adult Australian cockroach, Periplaneta australasiae.
(Photographer: R.W. Baldwin, University of Florida)

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Australian cockroach, Periplaneta australasiae, one-day-old
nymph (ventral view).
(Photographer: C. Montero, University of Florida)

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Australian cockroach, Periplaneta australasiae,
seven-day-old nymph (dorsal view).
(Photographer: C. Montero, University of Florida)

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Australian cockroach, Periplaneta australasiae,
seven-day-old nymph (ventral view).
(Photographer: C. Montero, University of Florida)

Click to access Display and Print quality images.


Australian cockroach, Periplaneta australasiae, 13-day-old
nymph (dorsal view).
(Photographer: C. Montero, University of Florida)

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Australian cockroach, Periplaneta australasiae, nymph and
fecal smears.
(Photographer: L.J. Buss, University of Florida)

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Australian cockroach, Periplaneta australasiae, egg case
(ootheca).
(Photographer: R. Martyniak, University of Florida)

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