Cockroaches

BlattodeaBlattodea – image index Amitermes meridionalis Anamesia sp Balta bicolor Bush Cockroach Cockroaches Ellipsidion Ellipsidion australe Ellipsidion humarale Nasutitermes triodiae Termite — Alate

Cockroaches is the general name for insects in the order Blattodea, that include the common names of Bush Cockroach, Native Cockroach, and roaches. Whilst there are some 4,600 species, there are about 30 cockroach species that are associated with human habitats (some of which are known pests).

Cockroaches are insects that lack the special adaptations (such as the sucking mouthparts of aphids and other true bugs), and have chewing mouthparts. Certain species are common, and are hardy insects that tolerate a wide range of climates and habitats. The tropical cockroaches are often larger than the temperate species.

Most cockroaches do not fly, the majority being ground dwellers. Whilst some do fly, many are poor flyers and use their wings for gliding from heights or to escape threats. The American and Australian roaches are known to being capable fliers.

American Cockroach (Periplaneta americana), Alice Springs NT — American Cockroach (*Periplaneta americana*), Alice Springs NT

Australian cockroaches are a relatively common species, characterized by their darkish-brown color, with yellow markings on the thorax and wing margins, and a flattened body shape.

The American Cockroaches (Periplaneta americana) are the largest cockroaches that are typically found in homes, with full grown adults up to 53 mm in length. They are a reddish-brown to brown in colour, and have distinctive light yellow bands around the shield-like area behind their heads.

The Native Cockroach, also known as the Bush Cockroach are found across Australia. There is thought to be between 400 to over 500 species of Australian Native Cockroaches that live in the bush, as well as parks and gardens.

The Bush Cockroach (Native Cockroach) are sometimes mistakenly called Australian Cockroach (Periplaneta australasiae).

Bush cockroaches / native cockroaches are harmless insects, not to be confused with the pest species found in our homes. The different species of bush cockroaches are found in a range of shapes and sizes, with the smallest species about 3 mm long. The largest species, the Giant Burrowing Cockroach, can grow up to 8 cm long and can weigh up to 20 grams.