Blattidae
Guides
Drymaplaneta
Shining Cockroaches
Drymaplaneta is an Australian genus of cockroaches in the family Blattidae, comprising six endemic species. Two species, D. heydeniana and D. semivitta, have been introduced to New Zealand. Members of this genus are characterized by reduced, lobiform tegmina and the absence of hind wings, distinguishing them from other Methanini. They are primarily outdoor-dwelling insects that feed on decaying organic matter.
Periplaneta japonica
Japanese cockroach, Yamato cockroach
Periplaneta japonica is a cold-tolerant cockroach native to Japan, adapted to cooler northern climates. It possesses a flexible life cycle with facultative nymphal diapause, allowing nymphs to overwinter once or twice before reaching maturity. The species produces a unique viscous proteinaceous secretion in nymphs that enables active defense against ant predators. First documented in the United States in 2012 in New York City, it has been observed to survive outdoors in freezing temperatures, distinguishing it from most urban cockroach pests.
Polyzosteriinae
Polyzosteriinae is a subfamily of cockroaches within the family Blattidae. The subfamily includes species with documented allopatric population structures, such as the Tasmanian endemic Polyzosteria yingina, which exhibits strongly separated alpine and coastal populations. Mating behavior has been studied in at least one species, Eurycotis floridana, revealing courtship rituals and copulatory sequences. The subfamily is taxonomically established within Blattodea but detailed biological information remains limited to individual species studies.