Urban Nature Pictures 12/24; 50 More Urban Species #50 Australian Cockroach.

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Australian cockroach Periplaneta australasiae


The Australian cockroach, like almost all pest roaches, is not originally native to the country it is named for. Most likely it is from tropical Asia, and quickly established itself in Australia once it was introduced into the warm cities there. In North America, this insect is associated with tropical plants, but will happily live alongside its close relative the American cockroach in hot moist basements. It can be distinguished from the American roach by the light yellowish markings on its thorax (behind the head) and along its sides. It doesn't grow quite to the same size, but is still one of the largest roaches regularly found indoors.