Cockroach
Scientific Name: Various species possible, common ones include Periplaneta americana (American cockroach) or Blattella germanica (German cockroach) based on typical household sightings, but exact species cannot be determined from this image alone.
Order & Family: Order Blattodea, Family Blattidae (likely based on appearance)
Size: Varies significantly by species, but commonly range from 1/2 inch to 2 inches (1.2 cm to 5 cm) in length. The specimen in the image appears to be on the smaller to medium side, possibly indicative of a German cockroach or a young American cockroach.
Natural Habitat
Cockroaches thrive in warm, humid, and dark environments. Indoors, they are commonly found in kitchens, bathrooms, basements, and areas near food and water sources, such as under sinks, behind refrigerators, in wall voids, and near drains. Outdoors, some species can live in leaf litter, under logs, or in sewers.
Diet & Feeding
Cockroaches are omnivores and scavengers, feeding on almost anything, including food scraps, decaying organic matter, starches, sweets, grease, meat, paper, fabric, and even other insects. They are highly opportunistic feeders.
Behavior Patterns
Cockroaches are primarily nocturnal, hiding in cracks and crevices during the day and emerging at night to feed. They are known for their fast movement and ability to scurry away quickly when disturbed. Reproduction involves egg cases (oothecae) which females carry or deposit in hidden locations. They undergo incomplete metamorphosis, meaning they hatch as nymphs that resemble smaller versions of the adults.
Risks & Benefits
Potential risks include spreading pathogens (bacteria, viruses, fungi) that can cause food poisoning, diarrhea, and other illnesses as they crawl over contaminated surfaces and food. They can also trigger allergies and asthma in sensitive individuals due to their shed skins and droppings. They can contaminate food and surfaces. In terms of benefits, in natural ecosystems, they play a role as decomposers, breaking down organic matter. However, as household pests, their risks far outweigh any benefits.
Identified on: 7/2/2025