Central-asian-origin
Guides
Shelfordella lateralis
Turkestan cockroach, red runner cockroach, rusty red cockroach
Shelfordella lateralis, commonly known as the Turkestan cockroach, is an invasive cockroach species native to Central Asia that has established populations in the southwestern United States, Europe, and other regions. It is primarily an outdoor species that inhabits water meter boxes, concrete cracks, compost piles, leaf litter, and sewer systems. The species exhibits sexual dimorphism: males are winged and capable of flight, while females have reduced wings. S. lateralis is displacing the oriental cockroach (Blatta orientalis) in many areas of California and the southwestern U.S. due to faster maturation and higher reproductive output. It has become a significant urban pest in some regions and carries antibiotic-resistant pathogenic bacteria, raising public health concerns.