
Community identification
Brown-banded cockroach (likely)
Supella longipalpa
- Order & Family
- Blattodea; Ectobiidae
- Size
- Adults are about 10–14 mm (0.4–0.55 in) long.
Natural Habitat
Warm, dry indoor areas such as kitchens, bedrooms, furniture, appliances, and wall voids; unlike German cockroaches, it does not require high humidity.
Diet & Feeding
An omnivorous scavenger that eats crumbs, starches, sweets, grease, dead insects, and organic residues; it may also feed on glue and book bindings.
Behavior Patterns
Mostly nocturnal and fast-moving, hiding in narrow cracks during the day. Females glue banded egg cases to concealed surfaces; infestations can spread through furniture, packaging, and appliances.
Risks & Benefits
It can contaminate food and surfaces and may contribute to allergy or asthma symptoms through feces, shed skins, and saliva. It has no meaningful household benefit, though it participates in decomposition outdoors.