THE BUGYMAN EXTERMINATORS

Oriental Cockroach

Order: dictyoptera Genus: Blatta Species: Orientalis

Appearance:

Total length of this cockroach is about 1 to 1.5 inches. The female has small, functionless rudimentary wings called wing pads. The male's wings cover about 3/4 of the abdomen. Adults are very dark brown or nearly black, and usually have a somewhat greasy sheen to their body. Females are broader and heavier looking than males.

 Habitat:

In many areas oriental cockroaches are generally found outdoors during warm weather. In periods of drought there may be considerable movement into structures, apparently in relation to humidity gradients. The nymphs and adults have similar habits and are found associated with decaying organic matter indoors and out. They can be found in yards, beneath leaves, in dumps, in crawl spaces and in the mulch of flower beds. They are also common in high moisture situations such as sewers, drains and dark, damp basements. As cold weather approaches, or sometimes during unseasonably cool periods, a similar migration indoors may occur.

   Food:

Oriental cockroaches feed on all kinds of filth, rubbish and other decaying organic matter. They seem especially fond of garbage and the contents of discarded tin cans. If water is available, they can live for a month without food, but die within two weeks without water.

 Life Cycle:

The Oriental cockroach adults and young nymphs in all stages of growth have similar appearances, which is refered to as a gradual metamorphosis. An egg capsule is carried by the female for about 30 hours, after which it is either dropped or attached to a protected surface near a food supply. Females will produce an average of 8 capsules, each containing 16 eggs which will hatch in about 60 days under room conditions. Nymphs molt from 7-10 times and the nymphal stages usually take several months to one year to complete. Unlike the other house-infesting species, the oriental cockroach generally has a seasonal developmental cycle.

General Information:

The oriental cockroach is also referred to as the waterbug, black beetle or shad roach. Neither the male nor the female can fly.

Oriental Cockroach Management:

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Last modified: May 20, 1999