out at 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.

The adult Surinam cockroach is about 3/4 to 1 inch (18-25 mm) long. It is shiny-brown to black with golden markings on the forward edge of each abdominal segment. The pronotum behind the head has a yellow margin along the front edge.

Females produce an average of three egg cases (oothecae) in their lifetime, with each egg case containing 26 eggs. The nymphs appear to be born live as the female retracts the egg case into her body after its formation. Nymphs are dark brown to blackish-brown in color. Developmental time from egg to adult varies from 160 to 220 days. Nymphs go through six molts. Adult females live an average of 307 days.

The Surinam cockroach is a burrowing species that lives outdoors and often infests potted plants. When plants are brought inside, the cockroach infests the premises. Originally from southeastern Asia, it is now found worldwide in tropical areas. In the U.S., it is common in the Gulf states, but is also found in more northern states in greenhouses, planted mall atriums, and other protected areas with plants.

1. Antenna- long & hairlike
2. Eyes- 2
3. Head- facing downward
4. Legs- 6
5. Wings- folded over abdomen
6. Pronotum - yellow markings
7. Petiole- none
8. Abdomen- covered by wings
9. Color- dark brown to black
10. Other- no males exist in U.S.

Life Cycle:

There are no male Surinam Cockroaches in the U.S. The females are able to reproduce without fertilization (parthenogenetic reproduction), 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.