American Cockroach, Periplaneta americana (Linn.)
The American cockroach is the largest of the house-infesting cockroaches. Despite its name, the American cockroach is not native to North America, but
American Cockroach
was probably introduced via ships from Africa in the 1600s.
Color: Reddish-brown, with a yellowish figure 8 pattern on the back of the head
Size: 2″ long
Legs: 6
Habits
American cockroaches often enter structures through drains and pipes. They are more active when the temperature is 70 degrees or higher, but they can survive lower temperatures with the right conditions.
Habitat
Although American cockroaches can be found in homes, they are also common in larger commercial buildings such grocery stores, food processing plants and hospitals. American roaches are also known to infest basements, yards and alleys.