Surinam Cockroach
ExploreInsects
Surinam Cockroach
pycnoscelus surinamensis
The Surinam Cockroach is a fascinating insect that loves to hide in dark places. They are often found in groups and can even glide short distances when they jump!
Habitat: Surinam Cockroaches are typically found in warm, humid environments such as forests and under leaf litter.
Appearance
The Surinam Cockroach is a shiny, dark brown to black insect with a distinctive yellowish-orange, shell-like shield (pronotum) covering its head. Its body is broadly oval, flattened, and features fully developed wings that typically extend beyond the abdomen, though it is primarily a burrowing species.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderBlattodeaFamilyBlaberidaeGenusPycnoscelus
Category
InsectsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Almost every Surinam Cockroach you find is a female, as males are super rare!
Their babies hatch *inside* the mother's body, not from outside eggs!
These insects can hide deep underground, sometimes up to a foot beneath the surface!
They munch on decaying leaves, helping to recycle nutrients back into the soil!
Special abilities
Ability
Self-Cloning Supermom
Surinam Cockroach can reproduce without a male because of parthenogenesis that helps them quickly colonize new areas.
Ability
Dirt Diver
Surinam Cockroach has strong, spiky legs that help them tunnel through soil and leaf litter for shelter and food.
Ability
Night Glider
Surinam Cockroach can fly short distances, helping them escape danger or find new food sources at night.
Measurements & details
- Wingspan
- 30-40 mm
- Size
- 18-25 mm
- Lifespan
- 240-365 days
- Leg Count
- 6
- Colony Size
- 50-500
Diet & Feeding
These busy insects are detritivores, munching on decaying plants and organic matter.
Primary Foods
- Decaying leaves
- Rotting wood
- Fungi
- Decaying fruits
- Plant roots
Foraging Method
- Foraging
Ecological connections
Traits
Social
Social animals live in organized groups, cooperating for survival benefits such as foraging, defense, and raising offspring.
Camouflaged
Camouflaged describes organisms that possess coloring or patterns that allow them to blend into their environment.
Decomposer
Describes organisms that break down dead organic material, recycling nutrients back into the ecosystem.
Forest
Forest habitats are terrestrial environments dominated by dense tree cover, supporting a high diversity of plant and animal life.
Nocturnal
Nocturnal animals are primarily active during the nighttime hours, typically resting or sleeping during the day.
Also known as
Flying CockroachGliding CockroachSurinam Roach
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Always wash your hands after handling insects.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Surinam Cockroach's wingspan?
30-40 mm
How big is Surinam Cockroach?
18-25 mm
How long does Surinam Cockroach live?
240-365 days
What does Surinam Cockroach eat?
These busy insects are detritivores, munching on decaying plants and organic matter.
Where is Surinam Cockroach usually found?
Surinam Cockroaches are typically found in warm, humid environments such as forests and under leaf litter.
How does Surinam Cockroach hunt?
Foraging
How many legs does Surinam Cockroach have?
6
How large are Surinam Cockroach colonies?
50-500
Snap Map
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