Species Luridiblatta trivittata

Classification · Synonyms and other taxonomic changes · Identification · Range · Habitat · Remarks · Works Cited

Friend or foe? - Luridiblatta trivittata

What is this? There are millions of them in my house! - Luridiblatta trivittata

Pretty little Cockroach - Luridiblatta trivittata

Phyllodromica trivittata in Benicia, CA - Luridiblatta trivittata

Classification

Kingdom Animalia (Animals)

Phylum Arthropoda (Arthropods)

Class Insecta (Insects)

Order Blattodea (Cockroaches and Termites)

Superfamily Blaberoidea

Family Ectobiidae (former Blattellidae)

Subfamily Ectobiinae

Genus Luridiblatta

Species trivittata (Luridiblatta trivittata)

Synonyms and other taxonomic changes

=Phyllodromica trivittata

Identification

Adults are small, wingless cockroaches, as demonstrated by individuals carrying ootheca (egg cases).

Range

native to the Mediterranean, adventive in our area (CA, recently introduced)(1)(2), now apparently in Marin, Petaluma and Cotati.

Habitat

Reports of high abundance both indoors and outdoors make it likely that reproduction is occurring outdoors with subsequent invasion of nearby structures. As this species adapts to this new environment, studies will need to be conducted to confirm this.

Remarks

Known from dry habitats around the Mediterranean. It has been recorded from Morocco; Algeria; Spain; Italy (Sardinia Island); Italy (Sicily); Libya; and Israel. Given that it has not been recorded as being a pest in buildings in those countries (as far as I'm aware) it is unlikely to invade buildings in the USA. Comment by George Beccaloni (The Natural History Museum, London, UK).

Works Cited

1.	Blattodea species file online, by G. Beccaloni and D.C. Eades

2.	California plant pest & disease report, Vol. 25 (Jan 2008 through Dec 2009) By S. Gaimari & M. O’Donnell, eds.

Contributed by John Carlson on 7 October, 2009 - 1:00pm
Additional contributions by Beatriz Moisset, v belov
Last updated 21 January, 2012 - 3:49pm

Disclaimer: Dedicated naturalists volunteer their time and resources here to provide this service. We strive to provide accurate information, but we are mostly just amateurs attempting to make sense of a diverse natural world. If you need expert professional advice, contact your local extension office.

Contributors own the copyright to and are solely responsible for contributed content.
Click the contributor's name for licensing and usage information.
Everything else copyright © 2003-2012 Iowa State University, unless otherwise noted.

Bugguide is hosted by Iowa State University Entomology.

Printer Friendly Version