Explanation of Names
Parcoblatta pennsylvanica (De Geer 1773)
Identification
Can only be positively differentiated from P. divisa by looking under the wings of the adult male. In both species, the structure on the "median segment" just beyond the thorax is a ridge with an overhanging, concave area. In P. pennsylvanica there is a similar ridge on the first abdominal segment as well, whereas there are no unusual structures on the first abdominal segment of P. divisa These two species have significant range overlap. P. pennsylvanica (both sexes) tends to be darker than P. divisa. In females, the dark color contrasts more strikingly with the pale margins of the pronotum (not a reliable character!).
Range
e. NA (QC-ON to GA-TX) (the similar P. divisa, PA-LA)
Life Cycle
Oothecae are deposited by females in moist areas
Tiny nymphs hatch out of the oothecae, and go through multiple instars of development
Adult males and females both have wings, but only males are capable of flight.
Remarks
Adult males can reach 4 cm long, making this our longest indigenous Ectobiid.
