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Characteristics
Size : Both male and female are about one inch in length.
Color : The female is all black, while the male has two brown wings.
The female oriental cockroach differs in appearance
from the male which often leads homeowners to believe they have
two types of cockroaches. The female is black, oval in shape, and
has no wings -- only two small wing pads just behind the thoracic
"shield." The male is thinner in shape, about the same length, and
has two brown wings that extend partway down the abdomen.
Behavior
The oriental cockroach is a pest in homes throughout much
of the United States. It is rarely seen in southeastern states,
however. During the summer, oriental cockroaches move outdoors
where they may venture into neighboring buildings. During the
colder months, they reinvade homes, establishing themselves in
basements and crawl spaces.
Habitat
This cockroach commonly inhabits sewers and storm culverts
and will enter buildings through floor drains. It will also
live outdoors in firewood, leaf litter, sheds, dog houses, and
similar locations. Indoors, the basement, crawl space, and occasionally
the attic will be the primary harborage for this pest.
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Blatta
orientalis