Neostylopyga
Shelford, 1911
harlequin roaches, harlequin cockroaches
Species Guides
1- Neostylopyga rhombifolia(Harlequin Roach)
Neostylopyga is a of established by Shelford in 1911, closely related to Periplaneta. The type is Neostylopyga rhombifolia, originally described in 1813. Some species display striking coloration and patterning, earning them the 'harlequin cockroaches' in pet and hobbyist cultures. The genus contains species distributed across Africa, southern Asia, and Australia, with at least one species showing potential.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Neostylopyga: /niːoʊstaɪˈlɒpɪɡə/
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Images
Distribution
Africa, southern Asia, and Australia. Specific distribution records include Malesia, Cameroon, Guinea-Bissau, India, and Kenya.
Human Relevance
Some , particularly Neostylopyga rhombifolia, are kept in hobbyist and pet cultures due to their striking coloration and patterning. Neostylopyga rhombifolia has been observed spreading to multiple regions and is regarded with suspicion as a potential pest; in some countries it is already considered a largely outdoor domestic pest, though no species in the is currently classified among the major pest .
Similar Taxa
- PeriplanetaNeostylopyga is closely related to Periplaneta and has been taxonomically confused with it; were historically assigned to Periplaneta before recognition as distinct.
- MacrostylopygaSome formerly placed in Neostylopyga, including Neostylopyga laosana, have been transferred to Macrostylopyga or elsewhere in Blattinae.
More Details
Taxonomic instability
The has undergone taxonomic revision, with some colorful moved to Macrostylopyga or other genera within Blattinae.