Community identification
Cockroach nymph (likely German cockroach)
Blattella germanica
- Order & Family
- Blattodea, Ectobiidae
- Size
- Adults are about 13–16 mm long; nymphs range from roughly 3 mm to 12 mm. The pictured insect appears to be a small nymph.
Natural Habitat
Warm, humid indoor areas, especially kitchens, bathrooms, wall voids, and around appliances or plumbing.
Diet & Feeding
Omnivorous scavengers feeding on food residues, grease, starches, cardboard, adhesives, and other organic matter.
Behavior Patterns
Mostly nocturnal and fast-moving, hiding in cracks during daylight. Females carry egg cases, allowing rapid population growth under favorable indoor conditions.
Risks & Benefits
Can contaminate food and surfaces and spread allergens associated with asthma and dermatitis. They provide little household benefit, though cockroaches recycle organic matter outdoors.