American Cockroach

[alexi]

So I've been reading a little bit about roaches (thinking about trying to breed them) and I just wanted someone to clarify: is "American Cockroach" a catch-all name for roaches native to North (or South) America or is it referring to a specific species?

 

[Atreyuhero4]

I think it is North American. Normally if its South American i.e. South American Cockroach (Blaptica dubia). It would be labled South American. When you see American something its normally North American IME.

 

[Travis K]

This should help.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Periplaneta_americana

 

[gvfarns]

"American cockroach" refers to a specific species. The one mentioned in the wikipedia article Travis K gave us.

It's not native to America, by the way and is currently located...everywhere.

 

[JohnEDove]

http://creatures.ifas.ufl.edu/urban/roaches/american_cockroach.htm

 

[Matt K]

Actually it refers to the specific species Periplaneta americana, aka "American Cockroach". In north America there are around 50 species, a few of them non-native. P. americana is native to north America, however thanks to mankind has been allowed to travel the world and is found now in many countries as an invasive pest species.

There is no such thing as "South American Cockroach". For example, Blaptica dubia are referred to Guyana cockroach, or Guyana spotted roach, etc., as most species of roaches in the insect hobby are from South America.

 

[tom]

periplaneta

From what I have been told, Periplaneta Americana came over originally from Africa and has become part of our fauna ,came over on ballasts, hiding everywhere once on board from ships in port especially during the heavy trading days.Now it is so widespread throughout America, up here in New york, it is frequently called waterbug due to its persistence to be near dampness,especially the NY sewer lines, potholes. Cheers, Tom