Latin Name:
Periplaneta americana
Appearance:
The largest structure-infesting species—about 1/2-inch long. Reddish-brown wings with light markings on thorax.
Habit:
Very aggressive. Prefers warm, damp areas. More likely to be seen in daytime and outdoors than other species. Commonly found in food preparation areas.
Diet:
Scavenger; eats almost anything.
Reproduction:
Female needs to mate only once to produce many egg capsules. Each capsule contains an average of 13 eggs. Nymphs molt 13 times in about 600 days before reaching maturity. Adult can live up to 15 months.
Other:
Has shown a marked attraction to alcoholic beverages, especially beer. Also known as the "water bug."
