Periplaneta

Classification

Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Hexapoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Blattodea
Superfamily: Blattoidea
Family: Blattidae
Subfamily: Blattinae
Genus: Periplaneta

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Periplaneta: //ˌpɛrɪˈplænɪtə//

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

Images

Periplaneta australasiae wings by Lucinda Gibson & Ken Walker. Used under a CC BY 3.0 au license.

Periplaneta fuliginosa young nymphs by Happy1892. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

Periplaneta australasiae side view by Lucinda Gibson & Ken Walker. Used under a CC BY 3.0 au license.

Periplaneta australasiae pronotum by Lucinda Gibson & Ken Walker. Used under a CC BY 3.0 au license.

Periplaneta fuliginosa, Buenos Aires, Argentina - 20110224 by Man77.. Used under a CC BY-SA 3.0 license.

Cockroach vivisection rotated by Cockroach_vivisection.jpg: Muhammad Mahdi Karim
derivative work: B kimmel (talk). Used under a GFDL license.

Summary

Periplaneta is a genus of cockroaches that includes several common pest species with diverse habitats and distributions, known for their adaptability and ecological role.

Physical Characteristics

Adults have about 250,000 sensilla on each antenna; variations in color and markings can be seen among nymph stages and in different species. P. australasiae shows more contrasting colors compared to others.

Identification Tips

Late-instar nymphs may be difficult to separate; except for P. australasiae which has distinctive adult coloration. P. americana can vary from light brown with little to darker markings.

Habitat

Cosmopolitan, prefers warm and humid environments; some species like P. japonica can tolerate colder climates.

Distribution

Cosmopolitan distribution, including urban areas worldwide; P. japonica noted in Manhattan, NY since 2013.

Diet

Omnivorous; feeds on a variety of organic materials, including decaying matter and food waste.

Life Cycle

Undergoes incomplete metamorphosis with egg, nymph, and adult stages.

Reproduction

Oviparous; females produce oothecae which contain eggs.

Ecosystem Role

As decomposers, they play a role in nutrient cycling. Also serve as prey for various predators.

Economic Impact

Some species are recognized as pests, impacting sanitation and health in urban settings.

Cultural Significance

Widely recognized in media and culture, often associated with cleanliness and pest control.

Health Concerns

Known carriers of allergens and pathogens; can contribute to indoor allergen levels.

Collecting Methods

Sticky traps
Manual capture

Preservation Methods

Ethanol
Drying

Similar Taxa

Blattella
Gromphadorhina

Misconceptions

Often feared due to associations with dirt and disease, yet they are essential decomposers in nature.