Order Dictyoptera (suborders elevated to order; please delete)
Suborder Blattaria (Cockroaches)
Synonyms and other taxonomic changes
This page is obsolete; cockroaches are now placed in their own order, Blattodea.
Explanation of Names
Blattaria is from Latin blatta, a cockroach (1). English cockroach itself is derived by folk etymology from Spanish cucaracha. That, itself, is a derivative of Spanish cuco, an insect; the Spanish word perhaps from Latin cucus, a Jackdaw (Partridge, 1958, Origins: A Short Etymological Dictionary of Modern English).
Numbers
At least 3500 species of cockroaches known worldwide, about 57 found in North America. (Of the latter, only a half-dozen or so are pests, and most of those not native North American species--see Remarks.)
Size
19-50mm
Identification
Cockroaches are usually dark brown or reddish in color and have flattened oval bodies and long swept-back antennae. The head is usually concealed by the pronotum which extends far forward. When wings are present, they are held flat over the back, overlapping one another.
Range
throughout North America and worldwide
Habitat
Though considered tropical insects, cockroaches can flourish in any environment where there is sufficient food and warmth. Some species infest buildings, even in northern climates. Most native North American cockroaches live in woodlands and are not pests.
Life Cycle
Female cockroaches lay packets of 12-25 eggs, and nymphs develop to maturity through simple metamorphosis.
Remarks
Most (or all?) of the pest species are not North American natives, but world-wide human commensals of Old World origin. Penn State University lists four species as being common pests in that state:
