Blaberidae

Definition

A family of giant cockroaches (order Blattodea), second-largest cockroach family by species count. Mostly tropical and subtropical in distribution, with major centers of diversity in the Americas, Africa, and Asia. Characterized by relatively large body size and diverse reproductive strategies including ovoviviparity and, in some subfamilies, parthenogenesis. The family is divided into eleven subfamilies including Blaberinae, Oxyhaloinae, and Panesthiinae.

Etymology

From the type genus Blaberus + -idae (family suffix)

Example

The death's head cockroach (Blaberus craniifer) and the Madagascar hissing cockroach (Gromphadorhina portentosa) are familiar blaberids in the pet trade and laboratory research.

Synonyms

• blaberids

Related Terms

• Blattodea
• Blaberus
• Blaberoidea
• cockroach
• ovoviviparity
• Parthenogenesis
• Panesthiinae
• Oxyhaloinae

Usage Notes

Sometimes called 'giant cockroaches,' though size varies considerably among subfamilies. Not to be confused with Blattidae, the other major cockroach family containing the familiar German cockroach (Blattella germanica) and American cockroach (Periplaneta americana). Blaberidae are generally less synanthropic than blattids and more associated with tropical forest litter, caves, and rotting wood.