Pale Bordered Field Cockroach
Pseudomops septentrionalis
This record describes Pseudomops septentrionalis (species). Recorded family: Ectobiidae. Recorded order: Blattodea.
Identification and Appearance
Not attracted to lights . This is not true. They frequently come to lights. [Kyhl Austin]
Wikipedia reference for Pseudomops septentrionalis: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pseudomops_septentrionalis.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Blattodea (Cockroaches and Termites)
- Superfamily
- Blaberoidea
- Family
- Ectobiidae
- Subfamily
- Blattellinae
- Genus
- Pseudomops
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
low-growing herbaceous vegetation ; on occasion visits flowers
Geographic Range
se. US (TX-GA-VA-KS) to Costa Rica - Map ( 4 ) ( 5 ) ( 6 ) ( 7 ) ; now spreading
Diet and Behavior
Diet: comes to sap and flowers:
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Latin septentrionalis 'northern' . The Latin word refers to the seven stars of the constellation Ursa major , the Big Dipper. Wikipedia quotes the Oxford English Dictionary: "L. septentrio , sing. of septentriones , orig. septem triones , the seven stars of the constellation of the Great Bear, f. septem seven + triones , pl. of trio plough-ox. Cf. F. septentrion ."
About Cockroaches and Termites: the wider group
Order-level background for Blattodea, the group containing Pseudomops septentrionalis. 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 Pale Bordered Field Cockroach (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by Cotinis; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov , Kyhl Austin
Frequently Asked Questions About Pale Bordered Field Cockroach
What is Pale Bordered Field Cockroach?
Pale Bordered Field Cockroach (Pseudomops septentrionalis) is a species in the family Ectobiidae, within the order Blattodea.
How big is Pale Bordered Field Cockroach?
9-15 mm ( 3 )
Where is Pale Bordered Field Cockroach found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | low-growing herbaceous vegetation ; on occasion visits flowers |
| Range | se. US (TX-GA-VA-KS) to Costa Rica - Map ( 4 ) ( 5 ) ( 6 ) ( 7 ) ; now spreading |
What does Pale Bordered Field Cockroach eat?
The diet of the Pale Bordered Field Cockroach includes comes to sap and flowers:.