Cockroach Nymph
Scientific Name: Blattodea (various species)
Order & Family: Order: Blattodea, Family: various (e.g., Blattidae, Ectobiidae)
Size: 3 mm - 15 mm (nymphs are smaller than adults, size varies greatly by species)
Natural Habitat
Warm, humid, and dark environments, often indoors in kitchens, bathrooms, basements, or outdoors under debris, rocks, and wood.
Diet & Feeding
Omnivorous scavengers, feeding on almost anything organic, including food scraps, decaying matter, starches, sweets, grease, meat, pet food, and even non-food items like paper and glue.
Behavior Patterns
Nocturnal; they are typically active at night, foraging for food and water. They hide in cracks and crevices during the day. They undergo incomplete metamorphosis (egg, nymph, adult). Nymphs molt several times before reaching adulthood.
Risks & Benefits
Risks: Can transmit bacteria (e.g., Salmonella, E. coli) and other pathogens, trigger allergies and asthma in sensitive individuals due to their droppings and shed skins. They can contaminate food and surfaces. Generally considered pests. Benefits: While no direct benefits to humans, in their natural outdoor habitats, some species can play a role in decomposition.
Identified on: 9/17/2025