American cockroach (Blattaria: Blattidae, Periplaneta
americana) adults are 1 and 1/2 inches long and are reddish
brown and have a yellowish margin on the body region behind
the head. When disturbed, may run rapidly and adults may
fly. Immature cockroaches resemble adults except that they
are wingless.
American cockroaches generally live in moist areas, but
can survive in dry areas if they have access to water. They
prefer warm temperatures around 84 degrees Fahrenheit and
do not tolerate cold temperatures. In residential areas,
these cockroaches live in basements and sewers, and may move
outdoors into yards during warm weather. They feed on a wide
variety of plant and animal material.
 Females produce egg cases and carry them protruding from
the tip of the abdomen for about two days. Egg cases are
then generally placed on a surface in a hidden location.
Egg cases are 3/8 inch long, brown, and purse shaped. Immature
cockroaches emerge from egg cases in 6 to 8 weeks and require
6 to 12 months to mature. Adult cockroaches can live up to
one year.
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