Brownbanded cockroach, Supella longipalpa
(Blattodea: Blattellidae)

This species receives its common name from the brown bands on the wings of the adult and on the body of the nymph. It measures about 1/2 inch (13-14.5 mm) long as an adult. This cockroach is dark brown, and the wings range from reddish-brown to brown. There are two pale-brown bands on the wings, and the edge of the pronotum is clear. Females are darker than males and much broader. In males the wings completely cover the abdomen, but do not do so in females. The adult males can fly but the females cannot.

The female can produce about 14 egg cases (ootheca) in a lifetime, each containing about 14 to 18 eggs, not all of which hatch. Developmental time from egg to adult averages about 160 days and an adult can live for over 200 days.

This species prefers to live in bedrooms, furniture and closets, particularly on high shelves or behind picture frames. Due to its size, it is often mistaken for a German cockroach. Originally of African origin, the brownbanded cockroach is distributed throughout the U.S. and other areas of the world.

Images

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Adult male brownbanded cockroach, Supella longipalpa.
(Photographer: R.W. Baldwin, University of Florida)

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Adult male (left) and female (right) brownbanded cockroach,
Supella longipalpa.
(Photographer: R.W. Baldwin, University of Florida)

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Brownbanded cockroach, Supella longipalpa, adult (right)
and nymph (left).
(Photographer: L.J. Buss, University of Florida)

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Brownbanded cockroach, Supella longipalpa, nymph.
(Photographer: J.L. Castner, University of Florida)

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Brownbanded cockroach, Supella longipalpa, ootheca
(egg case).
(Photographer: R.W. Baldwin, University of Florida)

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Brownbanded cockroach, Supella longipalpa, oothecae
(egg cases) glued to substrate.
(Photographer: R.W. Baldwin, University of Florida)

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