populations will develop in mulched or composted landscape areas. They are strong fliers, and will often make their way into structures. Asian Cockroaches will be found in lawns, and readily take to flight when disturbed. They also are seen flying at dusk. They are attracted to lights and light-colored surfaces. They will eat practically any organic matter, and can spread disease.

This cockroach species is very similar to the German cockroach in appearance, but does have several morphological (body structure) differences. In addition, there are a number of behavioral differences between it and the German cockroach. For example, like the German cockroach, the Asian cockroach has two dark parallel stripes on the pronotum, but unlike the German cockroach, the Asian cockroach adults readily fly. Adults reach 1/2 to 5/8 inch (13-16 mm) long.

The egg case (ootheca) is smaller that of the German cockroach and averages 38 eggs. A female can produce five to six ootheca during her lifetime, but in nature the average is more often two ootheca. Nymphs are difficult to identify, but generally, Asian cockroach nymphs are smaller than the German nymphs and are pale along the margins of the abdomen. Asian cockroaches require about 65 days to develop from the egg to the adult stage.

This species lives outdoors in lawns and leaf litter and readily flies to lit surfaces. At certain times of the year, thousands may be attracted to porches and windows. Some populations in Florida have been estimated at over 250,000 per acre in damp areas. Many times, homeowners have problems with this species after mulching flower beds in the spring. A native of Asia, the Asian cockroach was introduced into Florida in the early 1980s and has spread to infest areas as far north as South Carolina. This species has the potential to spread through much of the Americas.

1. Antenna- long, thin & hairlike
2. Eyes- 2
3. Head- facing downward
4. Legs- 6
5. Wings- covered, long
6. Pronotum
7. Petiole- none
8. Abdomen- covered by wings
9. Color- dark brown
10. Other- large populations exist
1. Antenna- long, hairlike
2. Eyes- 2
3. Head- facing downward
4. Legs- 6
5. Wings- covered, can fly
6. Pronotum- outer light ring
7. Petiole- none
8. Abdomen- covered by wings
9. Color- light to dark brown
10. Other- prefers excess moisture

Life Cycle:

The female will produce four egg capsules during her lifetime, with about 35-40 eggs in each capsule. After they hatch, it takes around two months for the nymphs to reach adulthood. The adult females will live for up to 3 ½ months, while the males only live 1 ½ months. The adults are usually seen in the throughout the spring and again in the late summer and early fall.