Smoky Brown Cockroach

Periplaneta fuliginosa

Classification

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

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Periplaneta fuliginosa: /ˌpɛrɪpləˈniːtə ˌfjuːlɪˈdʒɪnəsə/

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

Images

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

Cockroach egglaying 2 by Toby Hudson. Used under a CC BY-SA 3.0 license.

Cockroach egglaying 1 by Toby Hudson. Used under a CC BY-SA 3.0 license.

Larva of Periplaneta fuliginosa - 2 by KKPCW. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

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

Cockroach egglaying 3 by Toby Hudson. Used under a CC BY-SA 3.0 license.

Summary

Periplaneta fuliginosa, or the Smoky Brown Cockroach, is a large scavenging cockroach native to warm climates. It is distinguishable from related species by its coloration and behavior. This species is a common pest in urban areas and poses health risks to humans due to its feeding habits.

Physical Characteristics

Large species of cockroach, winged, growing to a length of 32–35 millimetres (1.3–1.4 in). Uniformly light to dark brown–mahogany coloration. Dark and shiny thorax without patterns unlike related species.

Identification Tips

Late instar nymphs can be very difficult to differentiate from Blatta orientalis, particularly older specimens with a dark brown hue.

Habitat

Prefers warmer climates and thrives in areas around the perimeter of buildings, especially where food sources are available. Often goes indoors during the day but prefers outdoors in warm weather.

Distribution

Native to Africa. Common in southern United States (Florida, Eastern North Carolina, Louisiana, Mississippi, Texas, Gulf coastal states), Japan, Australia, South America (Argentina to Paraguay), and recently reported in Asia, Europe, and Northern America.

Diet

Detritivore, scavenging on organic matter including dry earthworms, pet food, paper, urine, feces, and ripe fruits.

Life Cycle

The smokybrown cockroach can reproduce through sexual reproduction and parthenogenesis; however, sexual reproduction is more common. Females can oviposit an average of 10 or more oothecae in favorable conditions; lifespan varies with mating status.

Reproduction

Oviposition occurs with an average of 10 or more oothecae being laid. Oothecae are dark brown and range from 11–14 millimetres (0.43–0.55 in) in length.

Ecosystem Role

Considered a pest in urban areas; effective at invading homes, restaurants, and hospitals.

Economic Impact

Known as sanitary pests; their rapid invasion impacts various establishments, raising concerns for pest management organizations.

Health Concerns

Can transmit diseases due to feeding on fecal matter. Associated with increased asthma prevalence and pathogen exposure.