Page 48 - Florida Pest Control Examinations

AUSTRALIAN ROACH AUSTRALIAN ROACH-Adult

MALE FEMALE

Photo Courtesy of UNIVAR Photo Courtesy of UNIVAR

AUSTRALIAN ROACH AUSTRALIAN ROACH-Nymph

Photo Courtesy of UNIVAR Photo Courtesy of UNIVAR

1.Antenna- long, thin, and hairlike 6.Pronotum- yellow markings AUSTRALIAN ROACH
2.Eyes- 2 7.Petiole- none
3.Head- facing downward 8.Abdomen- covered by wings 1 6 8
4.Legs- 6 9.Color- dark brown
5.Wings- covered 10.Other- poor flyer

Life Cycle 3
The female produces an egg capsule containing 24 eggs, 16 of which 4
hatch, taking around 40 days. Each female will produce between 20 to
30 of these capsules during her lifetime. The entire egg to adult process
requires about one year to complete. Adults will live from 4-6 months.
Photo Courtesy of UNIVAR

AUSTRALIAN ROACH (Periplaneta australasiae) Actual body size 1 1/4”

The Australian Cockroach is almost identical to the American Cockroach, but is slightly smaller.
Because of its fairly large size, it is mistakenly called a Palmetto Bug. They have wings but are
not very good flyers. It will often be seen scurrying away in kitchens when the light is turned on.

The Australian Cockroach is found outdoors in wood piles, leaf mulch, and sewers. Indoors,
they are in kitchens, food storage areas, basements, trash areas, walls, attics, garages, and
greenhouses. It is an abundant pest throughout Florida, and is mainly a vegetarian unlike most
other roaches. When it makes its way inside, it will even eat clothing and books at times.

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