Peridomestic
Guides
Blattella asahinai
Asian cockroach
Blattella asahinai, the Asian cockroach, is a small peridomestic cockroach species first described in 1981 from Okinawa, Japan. It is nearly morphologically identical to the German cockroach (B. germanica) but occupies distinct ecological niches, preferring outdoor habitats with leaf litter and vegetation. The species is a strong flier attracted to light, contrasting with its flight-avoidant relative. Since its introduction to Florida in 1986, it has spread throughout the southeastern United States, where it can reach extremely high population densities in suitable habitats.
Blattella vaga
Field Cockroach
Blattella vaga, the field cockroach, is a small outdoor-dwelling cockroach in the family Ectobiidae. First described from Arizona and California in 1935, it has since been recorded across North America and introduced to parts of Europe, Asia, and Australia. It resembles the German cockroach (Blattella germanica) but is not a significant indoor pest, typically entering buildings only during hot or dry conditions. The species harbors bacterial gut symbionts with demonstrated antimicrobial properties.
Carios kelleyi
Carios kelleyi is a soft tick (family Argasidae) that parasitizes bats, primarily the big brown bat (Eptesicus fuscus). First described in 1941, this species has been documented across much of North America and has been recorded in at least 29 of the 48 conterminous United States, plus Canada and Cuba. The species has gained attention due to its association with human dwellings when bats roost in attics and structures, and its potential to bite humans when primary bat hosts are removed. Recent studies have identified rickettsial agents in C. kelleyi, including Rickettsia lusitaniae (first U.S. detection), 'Candidatus Rickettsia andeanae', and a Rickettsia parkeri-like agent, raising public health concerns about its vector potential.
Triatoma gerstaeckeri
kissing bug, blood-sucking conenose
Triatoma gerstaeckeri is a triatomine bug (subfamily Triatominae) and a documented vector of Trypanosoma cruzi, the protozoan parasite causing Chagas disease. Adults measure 20–30 mm in length. The species occurs from the southwestern United States (New Mexico, Texas) through northeastern Mexico, occupying dry scrubland habitats with strong associations to woodrat (Neotoma) nests. It exhibits paurometabolous development with five nymphal instars before adulthood. The species is notable for its relatively high T. cruzi infection rates in some populations and its propensity for peridomestic occurrence near human habitation.
Triatoma indictiva
kissing bug
Triatoma indictiva is a blood-sucking assassin bug in the subfamily Triatominae, commonly known as a "kissing bug." It is a documented vector of Trypanosoma cruzi, the protozoan parasite that causes Chagas disease. The species occurs in Mexico and the southern United States, particularly Arizona and Texas. Adults measure 20–30 mm in length and are characterized by a pear-shaped body, black coloration with red lateral markings, and a tapered proboscis. Like other triatomines, it is primarily associated with vertebrate hosts in natural and peridomestic habitats.