Australian Cockroach
Validiblatta australasiae
This record describes Validiblatta australasiae (species). Recorded family: Blattidae. Recorded order: Blattodea.
Identification and Appearance
Adult has pronotum outlined in yellow with black/brown center marking (sideways 8"). Differs from other Periplaneta spp. in having a yellow vitta along basal outside edge of forewing: Immatures are considerably more ornate than in other congeners found in our area: nocturnal; favours tropical/subtropical climates
Wikipedia reference for Validiblatta australasiae: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Australian_cockroach.
Classification
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
circumtropical, of African origin
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Validiblatta australasiae (Fabricius 1775)
About Cockroaches and Termites: the wider group
Order-level background for Blattodea, the group containing Validiblatta australasiae. 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 Australian Cockroach
What is Australian Cockroach?
Australian Cockroach (Validiblatta australasiae) is a species in the family Blattidae, within the order Blattodea.
How big is Australian Cockroach?
23–35 mm
How do you identify Australian Cockroach?
Adult has pronotum outlined in yellow with black/brown center marking (sideways 8"). Differs from other Periplaneta spp. in having a yellow vitta along basal outside edge of forewing: Immatures are considerably more ornate than in other congeners found in our area:
Where is Australian Cockroach found?
Range: circumtropical, of African origin