Common Name: German Cockroach
Scientific Name: Blattella Germanica (Linnaeus)
Class/Order/Family: Insecta/Blattodea/Blattellidae
Metamorphosis: Simple
Introduction: The German cockroach is by far the most important and usually the most common of the cockroaches. In addition to being a nuisance, it has been implicated in outbreaks of illness, the transmission of a variety of pathogenic organisms including at least one parasitic protozoan, and allergic reactions in many people. This species has worldwide distribution.
Recognition: Adults about 1/2-5/8" (13-16 mm) long. Color light brown to tan except for 2 dark, almost parallel longitudinal stripes/bars/streaks on pronotal shield. Female darker than male, her abdomen broader. Rarely glide or "fly".
Nymphal instars 1-2 with thorax dark brown to black but having pale lateral margins, meso- and metatnorax pale/white centrally but with a continuous dark stripe near each margin; thorax and abdomen light brown ventrally. Later instars (3rd on) with 2 dark longitudinal stripes on pronoturn continuous with dark abdomen, and abdominal segments usually with central areas pale on dorsum.
Ootheca or egg capsule yellowish brown but usually two-toned, paler end attached to female; about 1/4-3/8" (6-9 mm) long, with length more than twice width; sub divisional furrows extending entire width; slightly bowed or arched; and with about 15-20 (range 9-25) eggs