Landcare Research - Manaaki Whenua

Landcare-Research -Manaaki Whenua

American cockroach

Periplaneta americana (Linnaeus)


Order: Blattodea
Family: Blattidae

Size range

  • Large insect, up to 40 mm long

Distribution

  • Originally from tropical America, found in warmer parts of New Zealand
  • A pest in heated buildings

Life History

  • Fast running
  • Scavenger. Eats almost anything, food scraps, paper, damp wood
  • Unpleasant smell