Spotted Mediterranean Cockroach
Ectobius pallidus
This record describes Ectobius pallidus (species). Recorded family: Ectobiidae. Recorded order: Blattodea.
Identification and Appearance
Both sexes fully winged. Pronotal disc pale yellowish brown with margin transparent, marked with reddish brown spots. Male dorsal abdominal glandular depression oval, slightly transverse, hind margin not reaching middle of tergite 7 earliest record in our area: MA 1948
Wikipedia reference for Ectobius pallidus: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ectobius_pallidus.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Blattodea (Cockroaches and Termites)
- Superfamily
- Blaberoidea
- Family
- Ectobiidae
- Subfamily
- Ectobiinae
- Genus
- Ectobius
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
Native to Europe, adventive in NA (ME‒*MD‒MI) (BG data)
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Omnivorous
Life History
2-yr life cycle; 6 nymphal instars
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Ectobius pallidus (Olivier 1789)
About Cockroaches and Termites: the wider group
Order-level background for Blattodea, the group containing Ectobius pallidus. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Blattodea includes ~4,600 cockroach species and ~3,000 termite species. Only about 30 cockroach species are associated with human habitats - less than 1% of all species.
Ecological role of the group
Termites contribute ~40% of soil arthropod biomass globally, far exceeding ants at ~10%. Cockroaches are ancient insects dating back 320 million years and are critical decomposers in tropical forest ecosystems, recycling leaf litter and dead wood.
Economic and practical significance of the group
Termites cause $5-30 billion in damage to structures in the U.S. annually. They damage approximately 600,000 American homes each year, with average repair costs of $3,000-$17,000. A subterranean termite colony can consume one pound of wood per day.
Recorded sources for this group: USDA, Orkin, Today's Homeowner, PNAS soil biomass study. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Frequently Asked Questions About Spotted Mediterranean Cockroach
What is Spotted Mediterranean Cockroach?
Spotted Mediterranean Cockroach (Ectobius pallidus) is a species in the family Ectobiidae, within the order Blattodea.
How big is Spotted Mediterranean Cockroach?
8–9.5 mm
How do you identify Spotted Mediterranean Cockroach?
Both sexes fully winged. Pronotal disc pale yellowish brown with margin transparent, marked with reddish brown spots. Male dorsal abdominal glandular depression oval, slightly transverse, hind margin not reaching middle of tergite 7
Where is Spotted Mediterranean Cockroach found?
Range: Native to Europe, adventive in NA (ME‒*MD‒MI) (BG data)
What does Spotted Mediterranean Cockroach eat?
The diet of the Spotted Mediterranean Cockroach includes Omnivorous.
What is the life cycle of a Spotted Mediterranean Cockroach?
2-yr life cycle; 6 nymphal instars