German Cockroach

Facts

• Name:  German Cockroach, Blatella germanica
• Life cycle: Incomplete metamorphosis
  Ootheca: Contains 30–40 eggs; incubation period ranges from 2 to 4 weeks depending on temperature and humidity
  Nymphs: Undergo 5–7 moults; development to adulthood typically takes 2–6 months
  Adults: Live on average for 6 months. Adults are distinguishable from nymphs by the presence of wings
• Description:
  Adults measure 10–15 mm in length and are pale brown with two distinct dark parallel bands running along the pronotum. Both nymphs and adults are capable climbers, often found on vertical surfaces. Females are broader-bodied than males and carry the ootheca until just before hatching. Wings cover the entire abdomen in adult females.
• Habitat:
  B. germanica is a nocturnal species that prefers warm, humid environments with access to food and water. Optimum temperature for development is around 30°C. It is a common pest in kitchens, larders, restaurants, boiler rooms, and food storage areas. Globally distributed, this species is found in urban, suburban, and agricultural settings across temperate and tropical regions. It rarely survives outdoors in cooler climates such as the UK.