How to Identify Different Cockroach Species

More Common Roaches

Cockroaches have existed for millions of years, and there are thousands of species throughout the world today. Some of the more common species include German cockroaches, American cockroaches, brown-banded cockroaches and Oriental cockroaches.

German Cockroach

German cockroaches (Blattella germanica) are one the most common species.
They measure 13 to 16 mm long and are pale brown in color, with two dark-brown stripes behind the head.
These insects typically live up to 12 months and produce more eggs than other species.

American Cockroach

American cockroaches (Periplaneta americana) are the largest cockroaches commonly found in homes. Adults can grow up to 53 mm in length.
American cockroaches are reddish-brown to brown in color, with light yellow bands around the shield behind the head.
Both males and females of this species have wings and are capable of flying short distances.
American cockroaches can live up to two years and are commonly found in households where food is stored.

Brown-banded Cockroach

Brown-banded cockroaches (Supella longipalpa) grow up to 13 mm.
Females have reddish-brown to dark-brown wings. The wings of male brown-banded cockroaches are dark brown toward the base and lighten as the wings extend to the tip.
Only males are capable of flight.
Both males and females have two light yellow bands across their bodies.
This species jumps when disturbed.
They live an average of three to 11 months.

Oriental Cockroach

Oriental cockroaches (Blatta orientalis) have glossy, dark-brown or black bodies.
Females can grow up to 32 mm in length, while males typically measure less than 25 mm long.
Neither male nor female Oriental cockroaches are capable of flight.
Their life span is up to six months.
Oriental cockroaches feed primarily on decaying organic matter.