German Cockroach

Blattella germanica

Classification

Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Hexapoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Blattodea
Superfamily: Blaberoidea
Family: Ectobiidae
Subfamily: Blattellinae
Genus: Blattella
Species: germanica

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Blattella germanica: //blæˈtɛlə dʒɜːrˈmænɪkə//

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Images

Periplaneta americana anatomy by Snodgrass_common_household_roaches.png: Fig. 49 from Insects, their way and means of living, R. E. Snodgrass
derivative work: B kimmel (talk). Used under a Public domain license.

Blatella germanica cdc by wikipedia. Used under a Public domain license.

Blattella Kackerlacka Cockroach by Baltazaren. Used under a Public domain license.

Blattella germanica (Linnaeus, 1767) German Cockroach (24516339107) by Len Worthington. Used under a CC BY-SA 2.0 license.

Ectobius vittiventris und Blattella germanica by Amada44, Lmbuga, derivative work Lämpel. Used under a CC BY 3.0 license.

German cockroach (Blattella germanica) probably (43118262090) by gailhampshire from Cradley, Malvern, U.K. Used under a CC BY 2.0 license.

Summary

The German cockroach (Blattella germanica) is a common domestic pest, exhibiting rapid reproduction and adaptability in human environments. It thrives in warm habitats and is an omnivorous scavenger, often associated with food sources, but is also known for developing resistance to many pest-control measures.

Physical Characteristics

Adult size ranges from 13 to 16 mm; color varies from tan to almost black with two dark parallel streaks on the pronotum.

Identification Tips

To identify B. germanica, look for its small size (1.1 to 1.6 cm), ability to glide when disturbed, and the two dark streaks on the pronotum.

Habitat

Primarily found indoors in human establishments such as restaurants, hotels, and homes; prefers warm environments.

Distribution

Cosmopolitan; found in households on all continents except Antarctica and on many major islands.

Diet

Omnivorous; attracted to meats, starches, sugars, and fatty foods. In dire conditions, may consume household items or exhibit cannibalism.

Life Cycle

Egg to reproductive adult in roughly 50-60 days under ideal conditions; nymphs undergo six to seven instars before maturity.

Reproduction

Females carry the ootheca for up to one month, dropping it just before hatching; each ootheca contains 18-50 eggs.

Ecosystem Role

Major pest of residential and commercial structures.

Economic Impact

Considered a major pest due to their presence in food processing facilities and human habitats, potentially causing economic losses.

Cultural Significance

Known colloquially as the croton bug; has various names in different cultures.

Health Concerns

Some individuals may develop severe allergies to cockroach parts, feces, and oils.

Evolution

Originated in South Asia or Southeast Asia, diverged from Blattella asahinai slightly over 2000 years ago.

Similar Taxa

Blattella asahinai
Asian cockroach

Misconceptions

Previously thought to be native to Europe; often mistaken for the Asian cockroach by casual observers.