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Brownbanded Cockroach
(John Obermeyer, Purdue University)
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Common Name: Brownbanded Cockroach

Order: Dictyoptera

Family: Blatellidae


Pest Status: This cockroach is a major pest in homes.

Appearance: Adult males are about 1/2-inch long and light brown, with fully developed wings. Females are shorter and wider than males and their wings do not cover the entire abdomen. Adults and nymphs have two broad bands extending across the body at the base of the abdomen and at mid-abdomen.

Life Cycle: Females deposit egg cases in clusters in furniture, under tables, on draperies, shelving, and ceilings. The egg capsule contains 14-16 eggs, and a female can produce more than 10 capsules in a lifetime. Eggs hatch in about two months; nymphs take 3-9 months to develop. Adults can live another six months after emergence.

Where to Collect: Adults prefer warm, dry areas such as on the upper walls of cabinets or inside pantries, closets, dressers, and furniture. It is more common to find them hiding nearer the ceiling than the floor and away from water sources. Adults are active at night.

Purdue Extension Entomology, 901 West State Street, West Lafayette, IN 47907 USA, (765) 494-4554

Department of Entomology | College of Agriculture | Extension

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