Other Common Names
Turkistan Cockroach (alternate spelling)
Explanation of Names
named after
Turkestan, a region in central Asia which is part of the native range of this species
Size
body length about 15-28 mm
Identification
Male: reddish-brown with pale cream or whitish lateral strip on pronotum and along outer margin at base of wings; wings long, completely covering abdomen
Female: dark brown with very short wings that do not extend over abdomen; short whitish lateral dash at base of wing
Range
southern California to Texas
introduced to United States in the late 1970s and early 80s, presumably by military personnel returning from the Middle East where the species is native
Habitat
semi-arid to arid desert areas, in water meter boxes, cracks between blocks of poured concrete, compost piles, leaf litter, potted plants, and sewer systems
Internet References
North American distribution and diet (Joanne Littlefield, U. of Arizona)
description plus habitat and control methods (L.M. English, New Mexico State U.)
Contributed by
Eric R. Eaton on 18 September, 2007 - 3:56pm
Additional contributions by
Robin McLeodLast updated 16 November, 2007 - 4:05pm
