# Oriental Cockroach (*Blatta orientalis*) The Oriental Cockroach is a shiny, dark brown insect that often lives in warm places. They like to hide in dark corners and can be found in homes and gardens. - **Category:** [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/insect) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low - **Snaps:** 10 - **Habitat:** Urban areas ![Oriental Cockroach](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Redirect/file/Blatta_orientalis_male_from_Botevgrad%252C_Bulgaria_01.jpg&width=800) Photo: Dimitǎr Boevski, CC BY-SA 4.0 · [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Blatta_orientalis_male_from_Botevgrad%252C_Bulgaria_01.jpg) ## Appearance The Oriental Cockroach is a shiny, dark brown to black insect with a broad, flattened body. Males have wings that cover about three-quarters of their abdomen, while females have very short, stubby wing pads, making them look visually distinct. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Arthropoda - **Class:** Insecta - **Order:** Blattodea - **Family:** Blattidae - **Genus:** Blatta ## Interesting facts - A female can lay up to 8 egg cases in her lifetime, each holding about 16 eggs! - If they lose a leg, they can often grow it back after molting into a new exoskeleton! - Oriental cockroaches prefer cooler temperatures than many other common household roaches. - They're often called 'water bugs' because they love damp, dark places, especially drains! ## Special abilities - **Crevice Master:** Oriental Cockroach can flatten its body to squeeze through tiny cracks because of its flexible exoskeleton. - **Stink Cloud:** Oriental Cockroach can release a strong, musty odor that helps them deter predators when threatened. - **Breath Hold:** Oriental Cockroach can hold its breath for extended periods, allowing them to survive submerged in water. ## Measurements & details - **Size:** 20-30 mm - **Lifespan:** 150-180 days - **Leg Count:** 6 ## Diet & Feeding These bugs are not picky eaters, munching on almost anything organic they find around! - **Primary Foods:** decaying organic matter, starches, sweets, pet food, garbage - **Foraging Method:** Scavenging ## Ecological connections - **Eats:** [Brown Rat](https://www.snappit.app/explore/brown-rat) (*Rattus norvegicus*) — Rats prey on cockroaches found in sewers and basements. - **Eats:** [Domestic Cat](https://www.snappit.app/explore/domestic-cat) (*Felis catus*) — Cats may hunt and eat cockroaches found indoors. - **Eats:** Barn Funnel Weaver (*Tegenaria domestica*) — Spiders often trap and consume cockroaches. ## Traits - [Solitary](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/solitary): Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care. - [Omnivorous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/omnivorous): This trait identifies organisms whose diet includes both plant and animal matter. - [Scavenger](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/scavenger): Scavengers consume dead organic matter, helping to decompose carcasses and other waste in the ecosystem. - [Camouflaged](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/camouflaged): Camouflaged describes organisms that possess coloring or patterns that allow them to blend into their environment. - [Speedster](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/speedster): This trait identifies organisms that exhibit exceptional swiftness in movement for hunting, escape, or travel. - [Urban Friendly](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/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](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/nocturnal): Nocturnal animals are primarily active during the nighttime hours, typically resting or sleeping during the day. ## Collections - [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/insects) ## 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 ### How to identify Oriental Cockroach? Look for six legs, antennae, three body sections and the shape of the wings. Beetles have hardened front wings; flies have just one working pair. Tiny insects may need a close view before their group is clear. Insect Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details. ### How big is Oriental Cockroach? 20-30 mm ### How long does Oriental Cockroach live? 150-180 days ### What does Oriental Cockroach eat? These bugs are not picky eaters, munching on almost anything organic they find around! ### Where is Oriental Cockroach usually found? Urban areas ### How does Oriental Cockroach hunt? Scavenging ### How many legs does Oriental Cockroach have? 6 ## Where to spot - [Historic Moravian Bethlehem Historic District](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/historic-moravian-bethlehem-historic-district) — Pennsylvania, US · Historic District - [Lafayette Square Historic District](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/lafayette-square-historic-district) — District of Columbia, US · Historic District - [Old Town Albuquerque](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/old-town-albuquerque) — New Mexico, US · Neighborhood - [Rio Grande Botanic Garden](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/rio-grande-botanic-garden-new-mexico) — New Mexico, US · Zoo - [University City](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/university-city) — Pennsylvania, US · Campus - [Albuquerque Aquarium](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/albuquerque-aquarium) — New Mexico, US · Zoo [View all places to see Oriental Cockroach](https://www.snappit.app/guides/where-to-see/oriental-cockroach) ## More Insects - [Common Eastern Bumble Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/common-eastern-bumble-bee) (*Bombus impatiens*) - [Spotted Lanternfly](https://www.snappit.app/explore/spotted-lanternfly) (*Lycorma delicatula*) - [Brown-belted Bumble Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/brown-belted-bumble-bee) (*Bombus griseocollis*) - [Eastern Carpenter Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-carpenter-bee) (*Xylocopa virginica*) --- Source: [Oriental Cockroach: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/oriental-cockroach)