Scientific Classification of Cockroaches

Cockroaches have been on Earth for more than 300 million years, according to New World Encyclopedia. Cockroaches are of the Blattodea or Blattaria order. The critters have been classified based on their oval, flat bodies; wings; and antennae. More than 3,500 species of cockroaches exist. Depending on the species, such as Periplaneta Americana, Blatta orientalis, Blattella germanica and Gromphadorhina portentosa, they can live in warm or cold environments.

  1. Periplaneta Americana

    • American cockroach is the common name for Periplaneta Americana. According to Animal Diversity, it isn't native to North America but likely boarded a ship to the continent from Africa. This reddish brown cockroach has wings. It's terrible at flying. The P. Americana can survive in various habitats. It can live indoors, outdoors, in sewers, in basements, in steam tunnels and in large buildings. They prefer damp, warm temperatures and die when the temperature drops below 15 degrees F. American cockroaches will eat paper, soap, sugar, cheese, fish, bark or leaves, according to Animal Diversity.

    Blatta orientalis

    • The common name for Blatta orientalis is the oriental cockroach. It is believed to be from Africa, according to Animal Diversity. The oriental cockroach lives indoors or outdoors. It prefers cooler temperatures and damp areas. Therefore it can be found during warm weather in sewers, in trash cans or underneath stones. In Asia, Animal Diversity say it lives in the caves with bats. The B. orientalis is dark brown or shiny black. It really enjoys sugar or starchy foods but will eat garbage and decaying food. If it doesn't eat and has water to drink, the B. orientalis will live a month. But if it hasn't eaten or consumed water it will last for two weeks.

    Blattella germanica

    • The common name for Blattella germanica is the German cockroach from southeast Asia. This light brown pest lives in warm and humid habitats. The German cockroach can live in rainforests and other moist areas. It doesn't like the cold. B. germanica live in large colonies hanging out in bathrooms or kitchens because it enjoys the warmth. Although the German cockroach has wings, it can't fly, according to Animal Diversity. The German cockroach will eat human food, grains, seeds and meat and definitely likes sweets and starches. It will also eat glue, soap or toothpaste.

    Gromphadorhina portentosa

    • Gromphadorhina portentosa is known by the common name Madagascar hissing cockroach. It gets its name because it lets out a loud hissing sound when mating. It's from the island of Madagascar and lives in the tropical lowland rainforests. G. portentosa is dark mahogany brown and black. According to Animal Diversity, the Madagascar hissing cockroach eats decaying plants or fruit, leaves, nuts, grains and dung. They will also eat from animal carcasses and small insects.