Asian cockroach [1] ( lat. Blattella asahinai ) is a species of cockroaches from the family Ectobiidae . Along with Blattella germanica and Blattella lituricollis, it is part of the German species group of the genus Blattella .
| Asian cockroach |
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| Scientific classification |
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| No rank : | Bilateral symmetrical |
| Subtype : | Tracheo-breathing |
| Infraclass : | Winged insects |
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| International scientific name |
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Blattella asahinai ( Mizukubo , 1981 ) |
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An Asian cockroach is similar to a red cockroach , but has several minor morphological differences. Body length about 16 mm, brown color. The wings of an Asian cockroach are longer than that of a red cockroach. Morphologically, the Asian cockroach and the red cockroach are twin species, however, they differ in the localization of the nucleolar organizer and the composition of the cougular hydrocarbons [2] . Hybridization cases between these species are known [3]
The cockroach lives in tropical and subtropical zones of Asia.
In the United States was first identified in 1986 in the city of Lakeland , Florida [4] . Since then, it has spread to other southern states. Its population reaches its peak at the end of August and decreases rapidly with the onset of cool weather. During adverse weather conditions, Asian cockroaches lead a secretive lifestyle in leaf litter.
The main ecological niche of the Asian cockroach is leaf litter, as well as grass covered plots of land. This species flies well and is not a synanthropic species , although it can establish colonies in human dwellings. Unlike the red cockroach, the Asian one has a positive phototaxis - it is attracted to light sources.
