Luridiblatta trivittata
This record describes Luridiblatta trivittata (species). Recorded family: Ectobiidae. Recorded order: Blattodea.
Identification and Appearance
Adults are small and possibly flightless, female wings highly reduced, male wings are somewhat short and do not cover abdomen. Females are often found carrying oothecae, (egg cases) as demonstrated by this individual: Known from dry habitats around the Mediterranean. It has been recorded from Morocco; Algeria; Spain; Italy (Sardinia Island); Italy (Sicily); Libya; and Israel. Given that it has not been recorded as being a pest in buildings in those countries (as far as I'm aware) it is unlikely to invade buildings in the USA. Comment by George Beccaloni (The Natural History Museum, London, UK).
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Blattodea (Cockroaches and Termites)
- Superfamily
- Blaberoidea
- Family
- Ectobiidae
- Subfamily
- Ectobiinae
- Genus
- Luridiblatta
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Reports of high abundance both indoors and outdoors make it likely that reproduction is occurring outdoors with subsequent invasion of nearby structures. As this species adapts to this new environment, studies will need to be conducted to confirm this.
Geographic Range
native to the Mediterranean, adventive in our area (CA, recently introduced) , now apparently in Marin, Petaluma and Cotati.
About Cockroaches and Termites: the wider group
Order-level background for Blattodea, the group containing Luridiblatta trivittata. 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.
Photos of Luridiblatta trivittata (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by John Carlson; Additional contributions by Beatriz Moisset , v belov , Hisserdude
Frequently Asked Questions About Luridiblatta trivittata
What is Luridiblatta trivittata?
Luridiblatta trivittata is a species in the family Ectobiidae, within the order Blattodea.
How do you identify Luridiblatta trivittata?
Adults are small and possibly flightless, female wings highly reduced, male wings are somewhat short and do not cover abdomen. Females are often found carrying oothecae, (egg cases) as demonstrated by this individual:
Where is Luridiblatta trivittata found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Reports of high abundance both indoors and outdoors make it likely that reproduction is occurring outdoors with subsequent invasion of nearby structures. As this species adapts to this new environment, studies will need to be conducted to confirm this. |
| Range | native to the Mediterranean, adventive in our area (CA, recently introduced) , now apparently in Marin, Petaluma and Cotati. |