Tawny Cockroach (or Spotted Mediterranean Cockroach)
Scientific Name: Ectobius pallidus
Order & Family: Order Blattodea, Family Ectobiidae
Size: 8 to 12 mm in length
Natural Habitat
Commonly found outdoors in leaf litter, low shrubs, and gardens; occasionally enters homes accidentally.
Diet & Feeding
Omnivorous; primarily feeds on decomposing organic matter such as leaves and plant debris.
Behavior Patterns
Active during the day, unlike many indoor pest cockroaches. They are strong fliers and are attracted to lights at night.
Risks & Benefits
Generally considered a harmless accidental invader; they do not typically infest or breed indoors and provide ecosystem benefits through decomposition.
Identified on: 6/18/2026