Periplaneta americana (Linnaeus, 1758)
American or Ship Cockroach
Taxonomy:
- Dictyoptera›Blattodea›Blattidae›Periplaneta americana
Status:
NN
Distribution
Colours show the year of the last record -
| up to 1987 | 1988-97 | 1998 up to present |
Only Recording Scheme datasets are included. Other datasets on the Gateway may hold additional information.
Description:
Large and fully winged. When threatened, it can produce a foul-smelling secretion from glands in its abdomen.
Size:
Up to 30 mm.
Wings:
Both sexes are fully winged and fly well in warm conditions.
Food:
Omnivorous, feeding on refuse and anything edible that is not too dry and hard.
Habitat:
Despite its name, the species is native to Africa. It may have been introduced to Europe with sugarcane from Cuba. In Britain it occurs on ships, in warehouses and glasshouses, especially around sea ports. Rarely in residential houses.
Phenology:
Indoors adults may be seen all year round.