Turkistan Cockroach

Hexapoda, Blattodea, Blatellidae

Description: Large brown and tan insect with a flattened body and long wings (adults males) and antennae. Adult males have long wings, and females have very small wing pads. Adult males look very similar to American roaches, but American roaches are considerbly larger. Adult females look almost identical to adult female Oriental roaches, but have pale cream-colored marks on the wing margins. Immature stages are tan, and look very similar to immature American, Oriental, and immature Turkistan roaches.

Geographic Distribution: Throughout southern New Mexico. Introduced to North America from Asia.

Habitats: Mostly outside of houses and buildings, and near buildings in the summer. Not closely associated with moisture such as plumbing, like the American and Oriental roaches.

Biology: Adults and immature stages occur year-round in buildings, but outdoors only during the summer months.

Health/pest Status: Turkistan roaches live in and around buildings and are considered house pests.