Periplaneta japonica

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Periplaneta japonica: //ˌpɛrɪpləˈniːtə dʒəˈpɒnɪkə//

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Summary

Periplaneta japonica, also known as the Japanese cockroach or Yamato cockroach, is adapted to cooler northern climates and exhibits unique survival strategies, including freeze tolerance. It was first identified in the USA in 2013, indicating its spread from its native range in Japan.

Physical Characteristics

Adults measure 25–35 millimetres (2+1⁄2–3+1⁄2 cm) in length, with a shiny, uniformly black to blackish-brown body, brown tarsi, and brownish white tips of the maxillary and labial palps. Male wings extend slightly beyond body length, while female wings are about half the body length. Initial first-instar nymphs are dark brown.

Identification Tips

Look for the shiny black to blackish-brown body and the characteristic wing length differences between males and females.

Habitat

Primarily an outdoors species, but can adapt to living indoors in houses and buildings where food is stored, prepared, or served.

Distribution

Native to Japan, spread to continental East Asia including China and Korea, first found in New York City, USA in 2013.

Life Cycle

Flexible univoltine or semivoltine lifecycle depending on hatching timing; can spend two winters as diapause nymphs before reaching maturity.

Tags

• cockroach
• Periplaneta japonica
• insect
• pest
• Japanese cockroach
• Yamato cockroach
• invasive species
• freeze tolerance
• diapause nymphs