Domino Cockroach

Natural Habitat

Tropical scrub forests and leaf litter in Southern India

Diet & Feeding

Omnivorous detritivore, feeding on decaying leaf litter, organic matter, and fallen fruit

Behavior Patterns

Diurnal compared to most cockroaches, they use their striking black-and-white patterns as Batesian mimicry to resemble aggressive ground beetles (Anthia); they are also known to burrow into the soil or leaf litter

Risks & Benefits

No risk to humans as they are non-invasive and do not carry diseases common to pest species; they benefit the ecosystem by breaking down organic matter and recycling nutrients into the soil

Identified on: 6/19/2026