Page 56 - Florida Pest Control Examinations

SURINAM ROACH-female SURINAM ROACH-female & egg

Photo Courtesy of UNIVAR Photo Courtesy of UNIVAR

SURINAM ROACH-EGG CAPSULE SURINAM ROACH-Nymph

Photo Courtesy of UNIVAR Photo Courtesy of UNIVAR

1.Antenna- long and hairlike 6.Pronotum- yellow markings SURINAM ROACH
2.Eyes- 2 7.Petiole- none 8
3.Head- facing downward 8.Abdomen- covered by wings 6
4.Legs- 6 9.Color- dark brown to black 1
5.Wings- folded over abdomen 10.Other- no males exist in U.S.
3
Life Cycle
There are no male Surinam Cockroaches in the U.S. The females are
able to reproduce without fertilization (parthenogenetic reproduction), 4
producing an egg capsule that stays in the abdomen. It then gives birth
to an average of 24 live young. Populations can grow quite rapidly. Photo Courtesy of UNIVAR

SURINAM ROACH (Pycnoscelus surinamensis)
Actual body size 3/4”
The Surinam Cockroach is between 3/4ths and one inch long, and colored a shiny dark brown
to black. It is usually found outdoors, burrowing in mulched landscaped areas and wood piles.
It will infest potted plants, which is how it makes its way into structures. Once inside, it will infest
the premises. It is also common in greenhouses.

Populations of the Surinam Roach can be quite large, and they come out a night and feed,
mainly on the stems of plants. Because of the heavy populations, they can do considerable
damage to the landscape. They will conceal themselves during the day in the soil or dark
locations.

56