Bug Identifier
Oriental cockroach (likely)
Community identification

Oriental cockroach (likely)

Blatta orientalis

Order & Family
Blattodea, Blattidae
Size
Adults are about 20–27 mm long.
See this bug in the Encyclopedia

Natural Habitat

Dark, damp locations such as basements, drains, sewers, mulch, and beneath debris; often enters buildings.

Diet & Feeding

An opportunistic scavenger feeding on decaying organic matter, food scraps, starches, and other household refuse.

Behavior Patterns

Mostly nocturnal, flightless, and prefers cool, humid hiding places. Females produce egg cases (oothecae) that contain multiple eggs; development commonly takes several months.

Risks & Benefits

Can mechanically spread bacteria and contaminate food or surfaces, while shed skins and droppings may aggravate allergies and asthma. It contributes modestly to decomposition outdoors.