Numbers
8 species in 4 genera listed at
nearctica.com; the
Turkestan Cockroach, a recent addition, brings the species total to 9
Identification
Adults with wings that cover the abdomen: Blatta lateralis males and Periplaneta, males and females of all four species:
Turkistan Cockroach (Blatta lateralis) males
American Cockroach (Periplaneta americana)
Australian Cockroach (Periplaneta australasiae)
Smoky Brown Cockroach (Periplaneta fuliginosa)
Brown Cockroach (Periplaneta brunnea)
(Image needed- similar in appearance to American Cockroaches)
Adults with wings covering ~75% of the abdomen:
Oriental Cockroach (Blatta orientalis) males
Vestigial wings:
Oriental Cockroach (Blatta orientalis) females - wingpads do not touch in the middle and do not have a pale, lateral stripe:
Turkistan Cockroach (Blatta lateralis) females- wingpads do not touch in the middle and have a pale, lateral stripe:
Florida Woods Cockroach (Eurycotis floridana) males and females- wingpads do touch each other in the middle of the back:
Additional species reported from the US
Eurycotis lixa is apparently established in the Florida keys and was originally described as an adventive arriving in New York. Wings do not touch in the middle and do not have a pale stripe, making it look very much like Blatta orientalis females.
(image needed)
The Harlequin Cockroach (Neostylopyga rhombifolia) is an ornate species that would not easily be confused with the other members of this family found in the US. In addition to wild populations in southwestern states, cockroach enthusiasts also keep them as pets.
(image needed)
Range
In general the species found in the US from this family are in areas that are warm and humid, such as the Gulf South. In addition, sewers and steam tunnels provide ideal habitats for some species that have established populations in other areas.
