The German Cockroach is the most common species which lives in human surroundings and breeds rapidly. A single German Cockroach is capable of producing six generations of offspring during her lifetime.The German Cockroach is the most common species which lives in human surroundings and breeds rapidly. A single German Cockroach is capable of producing six generations of offspring during her lifetime. These cockroaches vary in colour - from brown to almost black. They cause more damage to humans than any other species. They associate with humans because of the availability of easy food, water and warm temperature. They thrive on starch-rich food and carbohydrates such as bread, vegetables, biscuits, fruits, etc.
| Common name | German Cockroach |
|---|---|
| Scientific name | Blattella Germanica |
| Size | Appx 11-16 mm |
| Nymphal development | Appx 6-12 weeks |
| Able to fly | Yes |
| Habitat | Hiding in restaurant, food Processing units, hotels and Nursing homes |
| Life span | 6-9 months |
Egg:A female German cockroach may produce up to 4 to 6 cases during her lifetime. Each case contains 30 to 40 eggs. The eggs are tiny, brown, purse-shaped capsule. It is about approximate 8 mm long, 3 mm high and 2 mm wide.
Nymph:The nymph stage begins when the eggs hatch. It is dark brown to black in colour with distinct dark parallel bands running through the length of the pronotum. Nymphs do not possess wings. The number of molts required to reach the adult stage varies. At room temperature, nymphs complete its development. At all developmental stages they actively forage for food and water.
Adults:The adults are about 10-15 mm long, Brown to dark brown with distinct parallel bunds running through the length of the pronotum.
THE SEXES CAN BE DISTINGUISHED BY THE FOLLOWING CHARACTRISTIC:Male: The body is thin and slender. Posterior abdomen is tapered, terminal segments of abdomen are visible, and not covered by the tegmina. Female: The body is stout, posterior abdomen is rounded, the entire abdomen is just covered by the tegmina. The total Life Span is appx. 6-9 months.
