American or Ship Cockroach
Taxonomy
Dictyoptera » Blattodea » Blattidae » Periplaneta americana
Status
NN
Distribution Map
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.
Recordings
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.