Parcoblatta notha
(Rehn & Hebard, 1910)
Arizona Wood Cockroach
Parcoblatta notha is a large, pale-colored wood to Arizona. It is one of twelve in the Parcoblatta. Males possess fully developed wings and are capable of , while females have reduced wings approximately half as long and cannot fly. The species is occasionally found in homes near wooded areas, where it may become a minor nuisance.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Parcoblatta notha: //ˌpɑrkoʊˈblætə ˈnoʊθə//
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Identification
Males distinguished from other pale Parcoblatta by the most pronounced abdominal hair tuft specializations among P. notha, P. caudelli, and P. lata. Females distinguished from P. caudelli—the only other pale species with complete tegmina and wings—by larger size, relatively shorter tegmina and wings, and absence of powered .
Appearance
A relatively large, light-colored within the . Males are slender with a relatively long pronotum, fully developed tegmina and wings, and distinctive subtriangular, rounded elevations with dense hair tufts on the and first abdominal segments. Male coloration is light yellowish tan with cream-colored ocelli; the pronotal disk and abdominal hair tufts are darker tan to brown, while pronotal edges and tegmina are transparent. Females have a larger, broader pronotum than males, complete but shortened tegmina that do not reach the apex, and non-functional wings. Female coloration is auburn.
Habitat
Found under bark in wooded areas. Occasionally enters homes near wooded areas, where it is reported as an occasional nuisance.
Distribution
to Arizona, USA. Documented from Prescott, Reef and Palmerlee in Cochise County, Kitt Peak in the Baboquivari Mountains, Galiuro Mountain Range, Huachuca Mountains, Patagonia Mountains, Sabino Basin in the Santa Catalina Mountains, and Santa Rita Mountains. Predicted to occur in adjacent northern Mexico, though not yet documented there.
Behavior
Males are capable of ; females are flightless. Both sexes occur under bark. Occasionally enters human dwellings near wooded areas.
Human Relevance
Occasional nuisance in houses near wooded areas. Not known as a significant pest.
Similar Taxa
- Parcoblatta caudelliOnly other pale in which females have complete tegmina and wings; distinguished by smaller size, relatively longer tegmina and wings, and fully powered in females
- Parcoblatta lataShares male abdominal hair tuft specializations, but these are much less pronounced than in P. notha
More Details
Taxonomic history
Described by Morgan Hebard in 1917 based on 5 male and 2 female specimens. Hebard predicted the would be found widely distributed in adjacent northern Mexico.