Identification
Adult has thorax outlined in yellow with black/brown center marking somewhat like a sideways number eight. Narrow yellow mark along front outside edge of wings.
Food
They are scavengers, they feed on almost everything
Remarks
A nocturnal species that favours tropical and subtropical climates.
See Also
The four species of
Periplaneta cockroaches found in the US are easily confused. See the distinguishing characterstics of these species on the
Periplaneta page.
Most notably,
American Cockroaches have similar markings but lack the pale yellow edge on their wings.
Internet References
Bugs in Cyberspace has additional images.
The Scientific Pest Management
Pest Database has a photo and info.
UNESCO has a great article about
Major Pests of Libraries and discusses the various species of cockroachs including P. australasiae.