Cockroach
Guides
Aglaopteryx gemma
little gem cockroach
Aglaopteryx gemma is a small cockroach species in the family Ectobiidae, commonly known as the little gem cockroach. First described by Hebard in 1917, this species occurs in the southeastern United States and the Bahamas. It belongs to a genus of small, often inconspicuous cockroaches that inhabit leaf litter and ground-level vegetation.
Arenivaga apacha
Apache sand cockroach, desert cockroach, sand cockroach
Arenivaga apacha, commonly known as the Apache sand cockroach, is a species of desert cockroach in the family Corydiidae. The genus Arenivaga was revised in 2014, revealing extensive cryptic diversity with 39 new species described. Like other Arenivaga species, A. apacha exhibits dramatic sexual dimorphism, with males possessing fully developed wings and females being wingless. This species inhabits arid regions of southwestern North America, including Arizona and California.
Arenivaga bolliana
Boll's sand cockroach, Boll's sandroach
Arenivaga bolliana is a species of desert cockroach in the family Corydiidae, native to North America. It belongs to a genus known for extreme sexual dimorphism, with females wingless and males fully winged. The species inhabits arid and sandy environments, reflecting the family's adaptation to harsh, dry habitats rather than the tropical moist conditions typically associated with cockroaches. Like other Arenivaga species, it is likely subterranean in habit and difficult to detect. The genus was revised in 2014, revealing substantial undescribed diversity, though A. bolliana itself was described in the 19th century.
Arenivaga gaiophanes
desert cockroach, sand cockroach
Arenivaga gaiophanes is a species of desert cockroach in the family Corydiidae, described by Heidi Hopkins in 2014 as part of a major revision of the genus Arenivaga. The genus Arenivaga, previously containing only nine species, was expanded to include 39 new species in this revision. Members of this genus inhabit harsh, arid environments and exhibit dramatic sexual dimorphism, with females appearing entirely different from males. The species epithet 'gaiophanes' derives from Greek roots meaning 'earth-revealing,' alluding to their subterranean habits.
Arenivaga hopkinsorum
desert cockroach, sand cockroach
Arenivaga hopkinsorum is a species of desert cockroach in the family Corydiidae, described by Heidi Hopkins in 2014 as part of a major revision of the genus Arenivaga. Like other Arenivaga species, it exhibits dramatic sexual dimorphism, with females appearing wingless and males possessing fully developed wings. The species inhabits arid environments in the southwestern United States and Mexico, where it contributes to decomposition despite limited plant matter. The specific epithet honors the Hopkins family, particularly referencing the author's father and brother.
Arenivaga sequoia
desert cockroach, sand cockroach
Arenivaga sequoia is a species of desert cockroach in the family Corydiidae, described by Heidi Hopkins in 2014 as part of a major revision of the genus Arenivaga. This species belongs to a group known for remarkable adaptations to harsh, arid environments. Like other Arenivaga species, it exhibits dramatic sexual dimorphism, with females appearing markedly different from males. The species was described based on male specimens, with species separation relying on complex genital characters. It is one of 39 new species discovered during Hopkins' four-year revision, which increased the genus from nine to 48 species.
Arenivaga tenax
desert cockroach, sand cockroach
Arenivaga tenax is a species of desert cockroach in the family Corydiidae, described by Heidi Hopkins in 2014 as part of a comprehensive revision of the genus Arenivaga. The genus was dramatically expanded from 9 to 48 species through this work, revealing extensive undiscovered diversity in arid-adapted cockroaches. Like other Arenivaga species, A. tenax exhibits extreme sexual dimorphism, with males and females appearing so different that associating specimens of the same species presents significant taxonomic challenges. The species is known from male specimens only, with species-level identification relying on complex genital characters.
Arenivaga tonkawa
tonkawa sand cockroach
Arenivaga tonkawa, the tonkawa sand cockroach, is a species of desert cockroach in the family Corydiidae. It occurs in Central America and North America, with records from Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas. Like other Arenivaga species, it exhibits dramatic sexual dimorphism, with males and females differing substantially in appearance. The species belongs to a genus of sand cockroaches adapted to harsh, arid environments.
Blaberus craniifer
Death's Head Cockroach, Death's-head Cockroach
Blaberus craniifer is a large cockroach species distinguished by the distinctive jack-o'-lantern marking on its pronotum. It exhibits complex sexual behavior including male-produced substrate vibrations and sex pheromones for long-distance female attraction, followed by stereotyped courtship rituals and post-copulatory mate guarding. Unlike the closely related Periplaneta americana, this species shows reduced wind-mediated escape responses and prefers digging behaviors when disturbed. It serves as a host for specific gregarine and nematode parasites that occupy different gut regions without significantly affecting host growth, indicating long co-evolutionary adaptation. The species is valued in entomological collections and hobbyist rearing due to its striking appearance and minimal care requirements.
Blaberus discoidalis
discoid cockroach, tropical cockroach, West Indian leaf cockroach, false death's head cockroach, Haitian cockroach, drummer
Blaberus discoidalis is a large cockroach in the family Blaberidae, native to Central America and the Caribbean. Adults measure 35–45 mm and are tan with a distinctive dark brown to black pronotal patch that resembles the death's head marking of Blaberus craniifer, hence the common name "false death's head cockroach." The species is gregarious and has been extensively studied in laboratory settings for its locomotion, sensory processing, and social behavior. It is widely used as feeder insects for captive reptiles and amphibians due to its ease of rearing and nutritional profile.
Blattidae
Household Cockroaches
Blattidae is a family of cockroaches in the order Blattodea, established by Latreille in 1810. The family includes several of the most common household and peri-domestic pest species, notably in the genera *Periplaneta*, *Blatta*, and *Eurycotis*. The family is distributed worldwide, with particular diversity in tropical and subtropical regions. Many species have adapted to human-altered environments, though numerous species remain restricted to natural habitats such as leaf litter and forest floors.
Blattoidea
Typical Cockroaches and Termites
Blattoidea is a superfamily within the order Blattodea encompassing cockroaches and termites. It comprises approximately 17 families and over 4,100 described species. The superfamily includes two major epifamilies: Blattoidae (typical cockroaches), Cryptocercoidae (brown-hooded cockroaches), and Termitoidae (termites). Molecular phylogenetic studies have clarified relationships among major lineages, though subfamilial classifications remain under revision.
Capraiellus panzeri
Lesser Cockroach
Capraiellus panzeri is a small, non-cosmopolitan cockroach native to Europe and northwestern Africa, with localized populations in southern Britain where it is known as the lesser cockroach. Formerly classified as Ectobius panzeri, it was reclassified to the genus Capraiellus based on recent taxonomic work. It is one of the smaller native European cockroaches and is not associated with human dwellings.
Cariblatta minima
Least Yellow Cockroach
Cariblatta minima, commonly known as the least yellow cockroach, is a small species in the family Ectobiidae. It was described by Hebard in 1916 and is distributed across North America and the Caribbean region. The species is one of the smallest members of its genus, as indicated by its specific epithet. Like other Ectobiidae, it is a free-living cockroach rather than a domestic pest species.
Chorisoneura
Chorisoneura is a genus of cockroaches containing at least 90 described species. The genus was established by Brunner von Wattenwyl in 1865 and is currently classified in the family Pseudophyllodromiidae (formerly placed in Ectobiidae). Species in this genus are distributed across the Americas, with records from Mexico through South America.
Chorisoneura parishi
Parish's Thin-nerved Cockroach
Chorisoneura parishi is a small cockroach species in the family Ectobiidae, first described by Rehn in 1918. It is distributed across the Neotropical region, with records from Brazil, Colombia, French Guiana, Guyana, and Panama. The species belongs to a genus characterized by reduced wing venation patterns. It is one of numerous small, non-pest cockroach species that inhabit tropical forest ecosystems.
Chorisoneura texensis
small Texas cockroach, Small Yellow Texas Cockroach
Chorisoneura texensis is a small cockroach species native to the Southeastern United States. It belongs to the family Ectobiidae, a group often referred to as wood cockroaches or forest cockroaches. The species is commonly encountered in outdoor environments and is not considered a significant household pest. It is distinguished from other regional cockroaches by its small size and coloration.
Compsodes
hooded cockroach, sand cockroach
Compsodes is a genus of small, hooded cockroaches in the family Corydiidae, established by Hebard in 1917. The genus contains at least four described species distributed across Central America, the Caribbean, and the southern United States. Members are characterized by a distinctive hood-like pronotal structure that covers much of the head. These cockroaches are primarily associated with sandy habitats.
Compsodes schwarzi
Schwarz's Hooded Cockroach
Compsodes schwarzi is a small cockroach species in the family Corydiidae, commonly known as Schwarz's hooded cockroach. It occurs in the southern United States and Mexico, with records from Arizona, Florida, and Texas. The species was originally described as Latindia schwarzi by Caudell in 1903 before being transferred to Compsodes. It belongs to a group of cockroaches sometimes referred to as 'hooded cockroaches' due to morphological features of the pronotum.
Corydiidae
Sand Cockroaches, Sand Roaches
Corydiidae is a family of cockroaches in the order Blattodea, commonly known as sand cockroaches or sand roaches. The family was previously classified as Polyphagidae and contains approximately 40 genera divided among five subfamilies: Corydiinae, Latindiinae, Tiviinae, Euthyrrhaphinae, and Holocompsinae. Members are frequently associated with harsh, dry habitats including deserts and arid regions—environments not typically associated with cockroaches. Many species exhibit subterranean habits, making them easily overlooked. The genus Arenivaga (desert cockroaches) is particularly notable, with 39 new species described in a 2014 revision, expanding from 9 previously known species. The family has a worldwide distribution with significant diversity in North America, Asia, and other arid regions.
Cryptocercus clevelandi
Cryptocercus clevelandi is a wood-feeding cockroach species described from the northwestern United States. Like other members of the genus Cryptocercus, it harbors bacterial symbionts in its fat body that aid in digesting cellulose from wood. The species was formally described by Byers in 1997.
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.
Ectobius
wood cockroaches, field cockroaches
Ectobius is a genus of small, cool-adapted cockroaches in the family Ectobiidae. Adults measure 6–12 mm in length with brown to yellowish coloration and pale margins. The genus has a complex biogeographic history: fossil evidence from the 49-million-year-old Green River Formation in Colorado indicates Ectobius originated in North America, despite its long absence from the continent until recent reintroductions. Species are primarily distributed across Europe, Africa, the eastern Palearctic, and the Near East. Several species have been introduced to northeastern North America within the last 65 years, where Ectobius lapponicus has become synanthropic.
Ectobius lapponicus
Dusky Cockroach
Ectobius lapponicus, commonly known as the dusky cockroach, is a small, non-pest cockroach species native to Europe and northern Asia. It was introduced to North America, with first recorded sightings in 1984 in the northeastern United States and southeastern Canada. The species has a documented life cycle involving specific overwintering stages, including a diapause in the egg and one of the nymphal instars. Unlike many cockroach species associated with human structures, E. lapponicus is primarily an outdoor species.
Ectobius pallidus
Tawny Cockroach
Ectobius pallidus, commonly known as the tawny cockroach, is a non-cosmopolitan species in the family Ectobiidae. Unlike many cockroach species associated with human dwellings, this species is native to western Europe and North Africa. It has been introduced to North America, representing a reintroduction after a 49-million-year absence of the genus from the continent. The species is not considered a significant household pest.
Epilampra
Epilampra is a genus of cockroaches in the family Blaberidae, first described by Burmeister in 1838. The genus contains more than 70 described species distributed primarily in the Americas. Epilampra species are classified within the subfamily Epilamprinae and tribe Epilamprini. These cockroaches are part of the diverse Blaberidae family, which includes many of the larger cockroach species.
Eremoblatta
sand cockroaches
Eremoblatta is a genus of sand cockroaches in the family Corydiidae (formerly Polyphagidae). These cockroaches are adapted to arid, sandy environments. The genus was established by Rehn in 1903. Records indicate presence in the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico.
Eremoblatta subdiaphana
Hairy Desert Cockroach
Eremoblatta subdiaphana, commonly known as the hairy desert cockroach, is a species of cockroach in the family Corydiidae. It is native to arid regions of southwestern North America. The species is characterized by its hairy appearance and adaptations to desert environments.
Hemiblabera tenebricosa
Broad Keys Cockroach
Hemiblabera tenebricosa is a species of cockroach in the family Blaberidae, commonly known as the Broad Keys Cockroach. It occurs in the Caribbean region and southeastern United States, with documented records from Florida, the Bahamas, and Haiti. As a member of Blaberidae, it belongs to a family of primarily tropical and subtropical cockroaches, many of which exhibit ovoviviparous reproduction.
Ischnoptera bilunata
Bilunate Cockroach
Ischnoptera bilunata is a species of cockroach in the family Ectobiidae, first described by Saussure in 1869. It is one of the more frequently observed cockroach species in the Americas, with over 500 documented observations on iNaturalist. The species occurs across a broad geographic range spanning North and South America, with confirmed records from Brazil, Bolivia, and multiple regions of Argentina.
Latiblattella
Latiblattella is a genus of cockroaches in the family Ectobiidae, established by Hebard in 1917. The genus contains approximately 18 described species distributed across the Americas. Species in this genus have been subjects of behavioral studies, particularly regarding mating behavior.
Latindiinae
Latindiinae is a subfamily of cockroaches within the family Nocticolidae. Recent phylogenetic studies have reclassified this group, moving it from Corydiidae to Nocticolidae based on molecular evidence. The subfamily comprises a small number of genera and species that are poorly sampled in scientific collections due to difficulty in field collection.
Leptoglossus
leaf-footed bugs
Leptoglossus is a genus of true bugs in the leaf-footed bug family Coreidae, tribe Anisoscelini. Species are characterized by leaflike dilations of the hind tibia, a diagnostic trait of the genus. The genus is distributed throughout the Americas, with some introduced populations in Europe and Asia. Several species are economically significant agricultural pests, notably L. occidentalis, which has become invasive in multiple continents.
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Luridiblatta is a genus of cockroaches in the family Ectobiidae, established by Fernandes in 1965. The genus contains 10 recognized species, including L. trivittata which has been introduced to California and is known there as the "tiny cockroach." Most species exhibit an almost circum-Mediterranean distribution. A 2022 taxonomic revision described 7 new species and organized them into three species-groups based on morphological characteristics.
Luridiblatta trivittata
Three-lined Cockroach, Tiny Cockroach
Luridiblatta trivittata is a small cockroach species native to the Mediterranean region, belonging to the family Ectobiidae. It is one of ten species in the genus Luridiblatta, which has an almost circum-Mediterranean distribution. The species is part of the trivittata species-group along with L. habbachii. It has been introduced to California, where it is recognized as one of eight exotic cockroach species present in the state. Unlike major indoor pest cockroaches, this species is primarily an outdoor inhabitant that occasionally enters buildings but does not normally reproduce indoors.
Panchlora
Green Banana Cockroach
Panchlora is a genus of cockroaches in the family Blaberidae, subfamily Panchlorinae. Most species are green in color, though some are cream or grey. The genus is distributed across the Americas and Africa. One species, Panchlora irrorata, has become established in banana trade and fruit markets.
Panchlora nivea
Cuban cockroach, green banana cockroach, banana cockroach
Panchlora nivea is a small, bright green cockroach native to Cuba and the Caribbean, now established along the Gulf Coast of the United States from Florida to Texas. Unlike most cockroach species, it is primarily an outdoor insect rarely found indoors and is not considered a pest. It has become popular in the pet trade due to its attractive coloration and non-invasive habits.
Periplaneta
Periplaneta is a genus of large cockroaches in the family Blattidae, containing several species with cosmopolitan distributions that have become significant urban pests worldwide. The genus includes well-known species such as Periplaneta americana (American cockroach), Periplaneta lateralis (Turkestan cockroach), and Periplaneta japonica (Asian cockroach). These species are characterized by their relatively large size, flattened bodies, and long antennae. Many Periplaneta species have been spread globally through human commerce and travel, with some showing remarkable adaptability to diverse climates including cold-tolerant species capable of surviving freezing temperatures.
Periplaneta brunnea
brown cockroach
Periplaneta brunnea is a cockroach species in the family Blattidae, commonly known as the brown cockroach. It serves as an intermediate host for the acanthocephalan parasite Moniliformis moniliformis, with behavioral alterations documented in infected individuals. The species has been used in biochemical studies investigating juvenile hormone regulation and insecticide metabolism. Its distribution includes regions in Africa, Australia, and South America including the Galápagos Islands.
Periplaneta fuliginosa
smokybrown cockroach, smoky brown cockroach
Periplaneta fuliginosa is a large, dark brown cockroach species native to Asia that has become a widespread invasive pest. Females produce oothecae (egg cases) that they carry externally and attach to substrates before hatching. The species shows strong aggregation behavior based on chemical cues and exhibits density-dependent oviposition site selection, preferring sheltered locations when populations are crowded. It is primarily nocturnal with peak activity between 2200-0200 hours and shows limited dispersal capability in mark-recapture studies. The species has been found to harbor the endosymbiotic bacterium Wolbachia (F clade) and is commonly parasitized by the thelastomatid nematode Leidynema appendiculata.
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.
Plectoptera
Plectoptera is a genus of cockroaches in the family Ectobiidae and tribe Plectopterini, established by Saussure in 1864. It contains at least two described species: Plectoptera picta (pictured beetle cockroach) and Plectoptera poeyi (Florida beetle roach). The genus is distributed across the Americas, with records from Mexico, the Caribbean, Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, and Florida. These cockroaches are commonly referred to as 'beetle roaches' or 'beetle cockroaches' due to their appearance.
Polistes dominula
European Paper Wasp
Polistes dominula is a highly successful invasive social wasp native to Eurasia that has established populations across North America, South America, New Zealand, South Africa, and other regions. First detected in North America near Boston in 1978, it has become one of the most abundant wasps on the continent. The species builds small, exposed paper nests in protected locations and preys primarily on live insects, particularly caterpillars. Unlike yellowjackets, it does not scavenge for meat or sugar. Its rapid spread has been attributed to ecological flexibility, superior competitive ability, and tolerance of human-altered environments.
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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.
Pseudomops septentrionalis
pale-bordered field cockroach, firefly roach
Pseudomops septentrionalis is a small field-dwelling cockroach native to North and Central America. It is commonly known as the pale-bordered field cockroach or firefly roach. Unlike many cockroach species associated with human structures, this species inhabits outdoor environments. It has been documented as a host for the endosymbiotic bacterium Wolbachia, which may provide nutritional benefits.
Pseudophyllodromiinae
Pseudophyllodromiinae is a subfamily of cockroaches within the family Ectobiidae, distributed worldwide. The subfamily contains at least five tribes (Baltini, Neoblattellini, Plectopterini, Pseudophyllodromiini, Supellini) and numerous genera including Allacta, Supella, and Cariblatta. Some species are notable tree climbers in forest habitats.
Supella
brown-banded cockroaches
Supella is a genus of small, synanthropic cockroaches in the family Ectobiidae, with the brown-banded cockroach (S. longipalpa) being the most widespread and well-known species. Native to Africa and the Arabian Peninsula, the genus has achieved cosmopolitan distribution through human-mediated transport. Members of this genus are distinguished by transverse pale bands across the wings and abdomen, pronounced sexual dimorphism in wing development, and a preference for warm, dry indoor environments. The type species S. longipalpa is a significant public health pest that completes its entire life cycle within human-built structures.
Symploce
Symploce is a genus of small cockroaches in the family Ectobiidae, established by Hebard in 1916. The genus contains species distributed across Europe, Asia, Australia, and the Americas. One species, Symploce pallens, has been subject to biological study examining its development and reproduction. The mitochondrial genome of a related species, Episymploce splendens, has been sequenced, revealing unusual tRNA deletions.