American cockroach 1859848 225073189 2008-07-11T19:23:46Z CiudadanoGlobal 4998975 /* Characteristics */ {{Taxobox | name = American cockroach | image = American-cockroach.jpg | image_width = 200px | status = Secure | regnum = [[Animal]]ia | phylum = [[Arthropod]]a | classis = [[Insect]]a | ordo = [[Blattodea]] | familia = [[Blattidae]] | genus = ''[[Periplaneta]]'' | species = '''''P. americana''''' | binomial = ''Periplaneta americana'' | binomial_authority = [[Carolus Linnaeus|Linnaeus]], 1758 }} The '''American cockroach''' (''Periplaneta americana'') is a large species of winged [[cockroach]]. It is very common in the southern [[United States]], and in [[tropical]] climates, and can be found in many locations throughout the world, due to its travels via [[shipping]] and [[commerce]] between locations. In the southern U.S., it is often called a '''Palmetto Bug''' or a '''Waterbug'''. Sightings have been reported in the northeast U.S., such as in [[New York City]], southcentral [[Canada]], such as in [[Toronto]] and southeast Canada, such as in [[Montreal]], where it is mostly found near human habitations due to its lack of cold tolerance.{{Fact|date=May 2008}} The American cockroach can also be found near various ports throughout the world, such as Cape Town and Durban, South Africa. They are the largest species of common cockroach. The insect is believed to have originated in [[Africa]], but had become established in the southern U.S. by the time that it was given its name. The insect is often considered a [[pest (animal)|pest]] since it invades living quarters for sanctuary and food. == Characteristics == American cockroach adults grow to an average length of around {{convert|4|cm|in}}.<ref>Barbara, Kathryn A. (2005-11). American cockroach - Periplaneta americana (Linnaeus). Retrieved on 2008-07-10 from http://creatures.ifas.ufl.edu/urban/roaches/american_cockroach.htm.</ref> They are reddish brown and have a yellowish margin on the body region behind the head. Immature cockroaches resemble adults except that they are wingless. The insect can travel quickly, often darting out of sight when someone enters a room, and can fit into small cracks and under doors despite its fairly large size. It is considered one of the fastest running insects.<ref>{{cite web |title=Chapter 39 — Fastest Runner |url=http://ufbir.ifas.ufl.edu/chap39.htm |author=Thomas M. Merritt |publisher=[[University of Florida]] |date=31 July 1999 |work=Book of Insect Records }}</ref> In an experiment carried out at the University of California at Berkeley (USA) in 1991, a ''Periplaneta americana'' registered a record speed of {{convert|5.4|km/h|mi/h}}, about 50 body lengths per second, which would be comparable to a human running at 330 km/h.<ref>Shukolyukov, S. A. (2001-09-27). Discovering The Achievements Of The American Cockroach. University Science News. Retrieved on 2008-07-10 from http://www.unisci.com/stories/20013/0927016.htm.</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Fastest Land Insect |url=http://www.4to40.com/recordbook/index.asp?id=41&category=animal }}</ref> === Habitat === American cockroaches generally live in moist areas, but can survive in dry areas if they have access to water. They prefer warm temperatures around {{convert|29|C|lk=on}} and do not tolerate cold temperatures. In residential areas, these cockroaches live in basements and sewers, and may move outdoors into yards during warm weather. These cockroaches are common in basements, crawl spaces, cracks and crevices of porches, foundations, and walkways adjacent to buildings. They feed on a wide variety of plant and animal material. === Life cycle === Females produce [[egg cases]] and carry them protruding from the tip of the [[abdomen]] for about two days. Egg cases are then generally placed on a surface in a hidden location. Egg cases are about {{convert|0.9|cm|in}} long, brown, and purse shaped. Immature cockroaches emerge from egg cases in 6 to 8 weeks and require 6 to 12 months to mature. Adult cockroaches can live up to one year, during which females produce an average of 150 young. == Control == Due to their large size and slow development, large infestations of these insects are not common within houses. However, during certain times of the year, these cockroaches may move inside a house from outside sources. For example, in late fall these cockroaches may move indoors, seeking warmer temperatures and food. Cockroaches may enter houses via [[sewer]] connections, under [[door]]s, around [[plumbing]], [[duct|air duct]]s, or other openings in the foundation. Exclusion is one way to control this inward movement of cockroaches. Place fine [[mesh]] screening over crawl space vents and [[basement]] floor drains. Seal exterior doors with [[weather stripping]]. Fill gaps in walls and floors where pipes enter using expandable foam, [[steel wool]] and/or [[caulking]] compounds. Cockroach populations in basements can be reduced by decreasing dampness and applying [[insecticide]]s in cracks and crevices where there is evidence of cockroach activity (presence of egg cases, dead cockroaches, brown fecal smears). Cockroach populations around the perimeter of houses are more difficult to control. First, limit the availability of food and water. Place [[Waste|garbage]] in [[trash can]]s, not [[plastic bag]]s (plastic bags rip easily). Divert water from [[gutter]]s at least 3 feet away from the foundation. Secondly, reduce hiding places for the cockroaches. Do not stack [[firewood]] or debris next to the foundation. Make a visual inspection about one to two hours after sunset to locate cracks and crevices in the building from which cockroaches are emerging. Spray these areas with insecticide and seal the cracks and crevices if possible. == See also == *[[Blattellidae]] - a list of other cockroach species == Gallery == <gallery> Image:AmericanCockroach.jpg Image:Periplaneta americana USDA ARS.jpg Image:Amerikanische Grossschabe 2.JPG Image:Amerikanische Großschabe 1.JPG Image:Dead_american_cockroach.JPG Image:Periplaneta Americana MRS JD 2007.jpg‎ </gallery> == References == <references/> == External links == *[http://ohioline.osu.edu/hyg-fact/2000/2096.html An Ohio State University Entomology article on the American Cockroach] *[http://www.spidy.goliathus.com/english/gallery-cockroaches.php Gallery of cockroaches] *[http://www.bugpeople.org/taxa/Blattodea/OrderBlattodeaPage.htm Order Blattodea, Exploring California Insects] *[http://www.ext.vt.edu/departments/entomology/factsheets/amercock.html American Cockroach] — Virginia Cooperative Extension [[Category:Cockroaches]] [[ca:Panerola americana]] [[de:Amerikanische Großschabe]] [[es:Periplaneta americana]] [[fr:Blatte américaine]] [[pl:Przybyszka amerykańska]] [[pt:Barata-americana]] [[it:Periplaneta americana]]