Eurycotis

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Eurycotis: //jʊˈrɪkətɪs//

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Summary

The Florida woods cockroach (Eurycotis floridana) is a large, slow-moving cockroach species native to warm, damp climates, particularly Florida and the West Indies. Known for its foul-smelling defensive spray, it typically resides in moist outdoor environments but can occasionally be found indoors in non-habitable areas. It reproduces via mating, with a cycle producing oothecae approximately every 8 days.

Physical Characteristics

Adults typically range from 30–40 mm (1.2–1.6 in), dark to blackish brown or reddish brown after recent molting; very short tegmina (fore wings) extending just past the mesonotum; hind wings absent. The dark brown ootheca (egg case) measures 14–16 mm (0.55–0.63 in) long and contains 21-23 eggs.

Identification Tips

The species looks remarkably similar to the female oriental cockroach (Blatta orientalis) and can be mistaken for it. The foul-smelling spray can also be a distinctive feature when alarmed.

Habitat

Prefers damp locations with abundant moisture; natural habitats include holes in dead trees, stumps, woodpiles, cavities beneath bark, and sometimes leaf litter. Occasionally enters buildings, primarily in non-habitable areas like attics.

Distribution

Found in the U.S. state of Florida, coastal regions of Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina, Mississippi, Louisiana, south and southeast Texas, and southeast North Carolina. Reported in the West Indies. Adventive but not established in Newfoundland and Labrador and Nova Scotia.

Life Cycle

Males can mate about 18 days after maturation; females begin producing oothecae about every 8 days starting around 55 days after maturation. Oothecae hatch in 50 days at 30–36 °C (86–97 °F).

Reproduction

Parthenogenesis can occur, but the nymphal clones do not mature to adulthood. Females produce 21-23 eggs per ootheca.

Predators

Deterrence against predation is influenced by the secretion emitted when alarmed, which has been shown to deter some species of mice.

Health Concerns

Secretion can irritate human eyes and may be toxic to the cockroach in small containers.

Similar Taxa

• Blatta orientalis
• Periplaneta americana

Misconceptions

Often confused with the American cockroach (Periplaneta americana), which is sometimes referred to as a palmetto bug.

Tags

• Eurycotis
• Florida woods cockroach
• cockroach
• insect
• Blattodea