Animal Profiles
Insects

Cockroach

Blattodea

Living

Living individuals or members of this group exist today. This does not mean they are safe from extinction.

Cockroaches occupy many environments. This account follows the American cockroach (Periplaneta americana), a widely transported species associated with warm, sheltered places.

Periplaneta americana, the representative described in this account.

Periplaneta americana, the representative described in this account.

Gary Alpert · CC BY

At a glance

Location
Despite its common name, the American cockroach is associated with an African origin.
Habitat
Towns and cities
Diet
Omnivore
Food
A varied diet includes plant and animal material, with fermenting food especially attractive.

Classification

Common name
Cockroach
Browse group
Insects
Scientific name or taxon
Blattodea
Taxon rank
order
Order
Blattodea
Source classification
Insecta

Taxonomy checked against GBIF. For breeds and hybrids, this describes the listed parent taxon.

Three things to know

  • Both adult sexes have wings.
  • Long antennae explore shelter.
  • Its diet includes many organic materials.

Habitat and range

Despite its common name, the American cockroach is associated with an African origin. It now occurs widely around people, using warm buildings, sewers and protected outdoor spaces.

Appearance and adaptations

Adults are reddish brown with a pale border around the shield behind the head. Long antennae explore crevices, and both adult sexes have developed wings.

Diet and behaviour

A varied diet includes plant and animal material, with fermenting food especially attractive. These cockroaches hide in narrow spaces for much of the day and become active when conditions favour feeding.

Sources

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