# Smokybrown Cockroach (*Validiblatta fuliginosa*) The Smokybrown Cockroach is a shiny, dark brown insect that loves warm places. They are often found in gardens and can run very fast when they feel scared! - **Category:** [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/insect) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low - **Snaps:** 9 - **Habitat:** Urban areas ![Smokybrown Cockroach](https://inaturalist-open-data.s3.amazonaws.com/photos/913648/large.jpg) Photo: t-mizo, CC BY 4.0 · [iNaturalist](https://www.inaturalist.org/photos/913648) ## Appearance The Smokybrown Cockroach is a shiny, dark reddish-brown insect with a uniform color. It has long wings that extend beyond its abdomen, giving it a sleek appearance. Unlike some relatives, it lacks distinct markings. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Arthropoda - **Class:** Insecta - **Order:** Blattodea - **Family:** Blattidae - **Genus:** Validiblatta ## Interesting facts - Wow! A female can have babies without a male, if she needs to! - Wow! These roaches can live for a whole week without their head! - Wow! They can hold their breath underwater for over half an hour! - Wow! They drink water using tiny little tubes on their feet! ## Special abilities - **Night Navigator:** Smokybrown Cockroach can navigate perfectly in complete darkness because of super-sensitive antennae that detect subtle changes. - **Tiny Squeeze:** Smokybrown Cockroach can squeeze through incredibly small cracks thanks to its flexible exoskeleton that helps it flatten its body. - **Moisture Sensor:** Smokybrown Cockroach has specialized receptors that help them detect slight changes in humidity, guiding them to water sources. - **Decay Recycler:** Smokybrown Cockroach can break down decaying organic matter, helping to return important nutrients back into the ecosystem. ## Measurements & details - **Wingspan:** 50-76 mm - **Size:** 25-38 mm - **Lifespan:** 180-365 days - **Leg Count:** 6 ## Diet & Feeding These tiny scavengers eat almost anything decaying, helping to keep nature tidy! - **Primary Foods:** decaying plants, pet food, starches, sweets, garbage - **Foraging Method:** Scavenging ## Ecological connections - **Eaten by:** Green Anole (*Anolis carolinensis*) — A common predator - **Eaten by:** [Red Imported Fire Ant](https://www.snappit.app/explore/red-imported-fire-ant) (*Solenopsis invicta*) — Ants can attack roaches - **Parasitizes:** Ensiform Ensign Wasp (*Evania appendigaster*) — Lays eggs in cockroach egg cases - **Eats:** [White Oak](https://www.snappit.app/explore/white-oak) (*Quercus alba*) — Feeds on decaying leaves ## 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. - [Decomposer](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/decomposer): Describes organisms that break down dead organic material, recycling nutrients back into the ecosystem. - [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 Smokybrown 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. ### What is Smokybrown Cockroach's wingspan? 50-76 mm ### How big is Smokybrown Cockroach? 25-38 mm ### How long does Smokybrown Cockroach live? 180-365 days ### What does Smokybrown Cockroach eat? These tiny scavengers eat almost anything decaying, helping to keep nature tidy! ### Where is Smokybrown Cockroach usually found? Urban areas ### How does Smokybrown Cockroach hunt? Scavenging ### How many legs does Smokybrown Cockroach have? 6 ## Where to spot - [Fairlie-Poplar](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/fairlie-poplar) — Georgia, US · Neighborhood - [Savannah–Ogeechee Canal](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/savannah-ogeechee-canal) — Georgia, US · Historic Site - [Techwood Homes](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/techwood-homes) — Georgia, US · Historic District - [The State Botanical Garden of Georgia](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/the-state-botanical-garden-of-georgia) — Georgia, US · Botanical Garden - [Jackson Zoo](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/jackson-zoo) — Mississippi, US · Zoo - [Atlanta Botanical Garden](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/atlanta-botanical-garden) — Georgia, US · Botanical Garden [View all places to see Smokybrown Cockroach](https://www.snappit.app/guides/where-to-see/smokybrown-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: [Smokybrown Cockroach: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/smokybrown-cockroach)