Insect Order (Blattodea)
BLATTODEA
Order Blattodea represents the cockroach, the bane of homeowners and businesses alike. North America is home to roughly seventy or so species (compared to the 4,000 recoginized around the globe). Cockroaches are well-known indoor pests, typically foudn near food and water sources and in greta numbers. However, they are also native to outdoor spaces as well. Despite having wings, cockroaches are agile, fast runners and can disappear before one has time to deal with them. North American varieties resemble one another to an extent, being red, brown, or black in color and having wings set over their abdomens (both forewings and hindwings are present). Long antenna are seen at the head and short protrusions called cerci can be seen at the end of their abdomens.
Taxonomy
Other Names: "Palemetto Bug; Waterbug; Roach"
The Taxonomic Breakdown is the scientific way to categorize a partocular insect species from its largest group (Animalia) to its smallest (variable). The Genus and Species categorizations taken together make up the species' scientific name shown above, in this case Periplaneta americana.
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Blattodea
Family: Blattidae
Genus: Periplaneta
Species: americana
Characteristics
Antenna: Antenna are noticeably apparent on this insect.
Harmful: Known to be harmful in one way or another.
Indoors: Can be found indoors; inside dwellings.
Pantry Pest: Targets indoor human and pet food sources.
Pest: Generally considered a pest to humans.
Six-Legged: Six legs are common to this insect.
Winged: Has wings to hop or fly over distance.
Description
The American Cockroach is also known by these other names:
Palemetto Bug :: Waterbug :: Roach
The American Cockroach has been identified by site users by the following descriptors:
brown black crawling fast six legged antenna pantry pest harmful infestation winged wings flying indoors kitchen red bathroom
Sighting Guide
The general likelihood of encountering this insect based on a given month of the year in the state of Tennessee. Generally, the best sighting months are June through August with peak occurring in July.
Size
Below is a representation of the 'smallest-small' and 'largest-large' sizes commonly associated with the American Cockroach. Due to monitor differences, sizes may not be exact on your particular screen. Conversions to millimeters are provided for convenience.
Lowest-Low:
1.06 inches
(27 mm)
Highest-High:
1.57 inches
(40 mm)
Identifying Colors
Below you will find the colors most commonly associated with the American Cockroach. Both Primary and Secondary colors are represented in the showcase. Due to monitor differences, colors may not be exact representations.
Tennessee County Reach
The American Cockroach can be found in the following Tennessee counties:
Anderson; Bedford; Benton; Bledsoe; Blount; Bradley; Campbell; Cannon; Carroll; Carter; Cheatham; Chester; Claiborne; Clay; Cocke; Coffee; Crockett; Cumberland; Davidson; De Kalb; Decatur; Dickson; Dyer; Fayette; Fentress; Franklin; Gibson; Giles; Grainger; Greene; Grundy; Hamblen; Hamilton; Hancock; Hardeman; Hardin; Hawkins; Haywood; Henderson; Henry; Hickman; Houston; Humphreys; Jackson; Jefferson; Johnson; Knox; Lake; Lauderdale; Lawrence; Lewis; Lincoln; Loudon; Macon; Madison; Marion; Marshall; Maury; McMinn; McNairy; Meigs; Monroe; Montgomery; Moore; Morgan; Obion; Overton; Perry; Pickett; Polk; Putnam; Rhea; Roane; Robertson; Rutherford; Scott; Sequatchie; Sevier; Shelby; Smith; Stewart; Sullivan; Sumner; Tipton; Trousdale; Unicoi; Union; Van Buren; Warren; Washington; Wayne; Weakley; White; Williamson; Wilson
American Cockroach Picture (1)
1 of 1
Image of an adult American Cockroach insect.; Credit: Julie R. of Illinois.
This image is original to
www.InsectIdentification.org; Used with Permission.
