Blattidae

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Blattidae: /ˈblæ.tɪˌdiː/

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Summary

Blattidae is a family of cockroaches that includes notable species like the Oriental Cockroach and American Cockroach. They have adapted to live in various habitats, particularly in warm, humid regions. They play critical roles in ecosystems, though they are often viewed negatively as pests.

Physical Characteristics

Adults with wings that cover the abdomen: males of Blatta lateralis and Periplaneta; males and females of all four species: Turkestan Cockroach (Shelfordella lateralis) males, American Cockroach (Periplaneta americana), Australian Cockroach (Periplaneta australasiae), Smoky Brown Cockroach (Periplaneta fuliginosa), and Brown Cockroach (Periplaneta brunnea). Adults with wings covering ~75% of the abdomen include males of Oriental Cockroach (Blatta orientalis). Females of the Oriental Cockroach have vestigial wings; wingpads do not touch in the middle and lack a pale, lateral stripe. Females of Turkestan Cockroach (Shelfordella lateralis): wingpads do not touch in the middle and have a pale, lateral stripe. Florida Woods Cockroach (Eurycotis floridana) has wingpads that touch each other in the middle of the back.

Identification Tips

Oriental Cockroach females lack a pale stripe and have non-touching wingpads. Turkestan Cockroach females have a pale stripe and wingpads that do not touch in the middle. The Harlequin Cockroach (Neostylopyga rhombifolia) is ornate and distinct.

Habitat

Species are commonly found in warm and humid areas, such as the Gulf South, as well as in sewers and steam tunnels which provide ideal habitats.

Distribution

Approximately 600 species worldwide in about 40 genera across 4 subfamilies; 9 species occur in the US, mainly adventive except for Eurycotis floridana.

Diet

Omnivorous, feeding on organic matter; known to have a symbiotic relationship with Blattabacterium which assists in amino acid production.

Life Cycle

Typically undergo a series of molts from nymph to adult; the length of the life cycle can vary based on species and environmental conditions.

Reproduction

Cockroaches generally reproduce sexually, with females laying eggs in protective casing called oothecae.

Ecosystem Role

Play an important role in the decomposition of organic matter and serve as food for various predators.

Health Concerns

Can be pests in households and associated with various allergens and asthma triggers.

Collecting Methods

• Trapping
• Hand collection
• Baiting

Preservation Methods

• Freezing
• Ethanol preservation
• Collection in dry media

Evolution

Part of the order Blattodea, which contains both cockroaches and termites; Blattidae is one of the most diverse families within this order.

Similar Taxa

• Termites
• Other cockroach families like Ectobiidae and Nocticolidae

Misconceptions

Many species are misunderstood as simple pests, while they play vital roles in ecosystems as decomposers.

Tags

• Blattidae
• Cockroaches
• Household Pests
• Ecosystems
• Entomology