Blaberoidea

Saussure, 1864

Giant and Wood Cockroaches

Family Guides

2

Blaberoidea is a superfamily of (Blattodea) established by Saussure in 1864. The group encompasses diverse cockroach lineages including the Ectobiidae, Blaberidae, and Corydiidae, among others. Members exhibit considerable morphological diversity, from minute myrmecophilous like Attaphila to large-bodied forms such as Gromphadorhina. The superfamily includes both and species, with many showing specialized ecological associations including myrmecophily and as food for amphibians and reptiles.

Damaeus by (c) Alexis Tinker-Tsavalas, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Alexis Tinker-Tsavalas. Used under a CC-BY license.Epidermoptidae by (c) Cricket Raspet, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Cricket Raspet. Used under a CC-BY license.Psoroptidae by (c) Oleksii Vasyliuk, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Oleksii Vasyliuk. Used under a CC-BY license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Blaberoidea: //blæbɛˈroɪdiə//

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Images

Distribution

Almost circum-Mediterranean distribution for some (e.g., Luridiblatta); documented from Maltese Archipelago, Morelos (Mexico), and other regions. Specific distributions vary by included and genus.

Behavior

Mating documented in several involves stereotyped sequences. In Parcoblatta fulvescens, males raise wings to expose tergal glands; females feed on gland secretions while males transfer . Wing-raising is essential for successful copulation. Attaphila species exhibit highly modified associated with myrmecophily, including inserted in funnel-shaped deepenings and femoral grooves allowing close leg flexion. Some species have been observed escaping from for amphibian and reptile nourishment.

Human Relevance

Multiple cultivated as food for amphibians and reptiles (e.g., Blaptica dubia, Gromphadorhina sp., Nauphoeta cinerea, Periplaneta fuliginosa, Shelfordella lateralis, Symploce pallens). Some species associated with human buildings and gardens. Several species introduced to new regions through human activity, including import with gardening materials.

Sources and further reading