American Cockroach
ExploreInsects
American Cockroach
Periplaneta americana
The American Cockroach is a large, brown insect that loves warm places. They are fast runners and can even fly short distances! They often come out at night to find food.
Habitat: Urban areas
Appearance
The American Cockroach is a large, reddish-brown insect with a distinct yellowish margin on its pronotum, located behind its head. Its flattened, oval body and long antennae distinguish it from smaller, darker species. Both sexes have fully developed wings.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderBlattodeaFamilyBlattidaeGenusPeriplaneta
Category
InsectsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
A single female cockroach can lay over 150 eggs in her lifetime!
Cockroaches have been on Earth for over 300 million years!
Their antennae are always wiggling to smell and feel their surroundings!
They can hold their breath for up to 40 minutes underwater!
Special abilities
Ability
Super Speed
The American Cockroach can run incredibly fast, covering up to 50 body lengths per second to escape predators.
Ability
Flexible Form
American Cockroaches have an exoskeleton that helps them squeeze through tiny cracks and crevices quickly.
Ability
Extended Survival
American Cockroaches can live for a week or more without their head because they breathe through body segments.
Ability
Chemical Senses
American Cockroaches use their long antennae to sense chemicals, finding food and mates even in darkness.
Measurements & details
- Wingspan
- 40-55 mm
- Size
- 35-50 mm
- Lifespan
- 400-600 days
- Leg Count
- 6
Diet & Feeding
An opportunistic scavenger, eating almost anything organic it finds in its environment.
Primary Foods
- Decaying organic matter
- Starch
- Sweets
- Grease
- Hair
- Paper
Foraging Method
- Scavenging
Ecological connections
eats
Brown Rat
Rattus norvegicus
Rats prey on cockroaches when available.
eats
House Mouse
Mus musculus
Mice consume cockroaches as a food source.
parasitizes
Ensign Wasp
Evania appendigaster
Wasp larvae develop inside cockroach egg cases.
parasitizes
Cockroach Nematode
Blatticola blattae
Nematodes live in the cockroach's gut.
Traits
Solitary
Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care.
Omnivorous
This trait identifies organisms whose diet includes both plant and animal matter.
Scavenger
Scavengers consume dead organic matter, helping to decompose carcasses and other waste in the ecosystem.
Camouflaged
Camouflaged describes organisms that possess coloring or patterns that allow them to blend into their environment.
Speedster
This trait identifies organisms that exhibit exceptional swiftness in movement for hunting, escape, or travel.
Urban Friendly
This habitat trait indicates species that can coexist with humans in urban and suburban environments, utilizing man-made structures and green spaces.
Nocturnal
Nocturnal animals are primarily active during the nighttime hours, typically resting or sleeping during the day.
Also known as
Palmetto Bug
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
If you see a cockroach, it's best to leave it alone and tell an adult.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is American Cockroach's wingspan?
40-55 mm
How big is American Cockroach?
35-50 mm
How long does American Cockroach live?
400-600 days
What does American Cockroach eat?
An opportunistic scavenger, eating almost anything organic it finds in its environment.
Where is American Cockroach usually found?
Urban areas
How does American Cockroach hunt?
Scavenging
How many legs does American Cockroach have?
6
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