List of cockroaches of Texas facts for kids

Cockroaches are ancient insects that have been around for millions of years! They are found all over the world, and many different kinds live right here in Texas. This article will tell you about the types of cockroaches that have been found in Texas as of 2001.

Understanding Cockroaches

Cockroaches belong to an insect group called the order Blattodea. These insects are known for being very adaptable. They can live in many different places, from forests to deserts, and even inside our homes.

Most cockroaches are nocturnal, meaning they are active at night. They often hide during the day in dark, damp places. They are also known for being scavengers, eating many different kinds of food.

Cockroach Families in Texas

Scientists group living things into families. In Texas, there are four main families of cockroaches you might find. Each family has different types, or species, of cockroaches.

Blattellidae Family

This family includes many smaller cockroaches. They are often found outdoors, but some can become pests indoors. Many of them are called "wood cockroaches" because they live in wooded areas.

Here are some examples from this family:

• Blattella asahinai (Asian field cockroach): This cockroach looks a lot like the German cockroach. It is often found outdoors in grassy areas.
• Blattella germanica (German cockroach): This is one of the most common indoor pest cockroaches. It is small and light brown.
• Blattella vaga (field cockroach): As its name suggests, this one is usually found outdoors in fields.
• Cariblatta lutea lutea (small yellow cockroach): A tiny, yellowish cockroach often found in warm, humid places.
• Chorisoneura texensis (small Texas cockroach): A small cockroach native to Texas.
• Ischnoptera deropeltiformis (dark wood cockroach): This cockroach lives in wooded areas and is dark in color.
• Parcoblatta bolliana (Boll's wood cockroach): One of several "wood cockroaches" found in Texas forests.
• Parcoblatta pennsylvanica (Pennsylvania wood cockroach): Despite its name, this wood cockroach is also found in Texas.
• Pseudomops septentrionalis (palebordered field cockroach): This cockroach has pale edges and is found in fields.

Blattidae Family

This family includes some of the larger and more well-known cockroaches. Many of these are common household pests around the world.

Here are some examples from this family:

• Blatta lateralis (Turkestan cockroach): This cockroach is becoming more common in some areas. Males can fly.
• Blatta orientalis (oriental cockroach): Often called a "water bug," this dark cockroach prefers cool, damp places like basements.
• Periplaneta americana (American cockroach): This is one of the largest common house cockroaches. It is reddish-brown and can fly short distances.
• Periplaneta australasiae (Australian cockroach): Similar to the American cockroach but usually smaller and with yellow markings.
• Periplaneta brunnea (brown cockroach): Another large, reddish-brown cockroach often found in warm climates.
• Periplaneta fuliginosa (smokybrown cockroach): This cockroach is uniformly dark brown and can fly.

Blaberidae Family

This family includes some very interesting and diverse cockroaches. Some are quite large, and others have unique behaviors.

Here are some examples from this family:

• Attaphila fungicola (ant cockroach): This tiny cockroach lives in the nests of leaf-cutter ants. It is very small and rarely seen by people.
• Panchlora nivea (Cuban cockroach): Also known as the "green banana cockroach," this bright green cockroach is often found near fruit. It is usually an outdoor species.
• Pycnoscelus surinamensis (Surinam cockroach): This cockroach is often found in greenhouses and gardens. It is unique because most of them are female and reproduce without a male.

Polyphagidae Family

This family includes cockroaches that are often found in sandy or desert environments. They are sometimes called "sand cockroaches."

Here are some examples from this family:

• Arenivaga bolliana (Boll's sand cockroach): This cockroach lives in sandy areas, often burrowing into the ground.
• Arenivaga erratica (erratic sand cockroach): Another sand-dwelling species, known for its movements.
• Compsodes cucullatus (hooded cockroach): This cockroach has a unique "hooded" appearance.
• Eremoblatta subdiaphana (hairy desert cockroach): As its name suggests, this cockroach lives in desert areas and has a somewhat hairy body.

Cockroach Life Cycle

Cockroaches go through a life cycle called incomplete metamorphosis. This means they hatch from an egg as a nymph, which looks like a small version of the adult. The nymph grows by shedding its skin, a process called molting, several times. Each time it molts, it gets bigger. After several molts, it becomes a full-grown adult.

Adult cockroaches can then reproduce, laying eggs in a special case called an ootheca. This egg case protects the eggs until they are ready to hatch.

Why are Cockroaches Important?

Even though some cockroaches can be pests, they play an important role in nature. Many species are decomposers, meaning they help break down dead plants and animals. This helps to recycle nutrients back into the soil, which is good for the environment.

Understanding the different types of cockroaches helps scientists learn more about insect diversity and how these creatures fit into the natural world of Texas.