What are all the Cockroach Species? (Fun Facts Included)

So you might have seen these little guys scurrying across your floor or even worse… flying up in your face – yep, I’m talking about cockroaches. These creepy crawlies are insects that belong to the order Blattodea. Now, let me tell you, they’re tough little critters. They can survive just about anywhere and with over 4,300 species of cockroaches worldwide, they’re definitely one of the most successful insects out there. But there are 4 that are pretty common.

All Shapes and Sizes

Cockroaches come in all shapes and sizes, from tiny little roaches that are just a few 1/8’s of an inch long, to some species that can grow up to several inches. And, boy, let me tell you, they come in a range of colors too. From brown, to black, to reddish-brown.

Now, you might be thinking, “what’s the point of knowing all this?” Well, my friend, this article is all about giving you the inside scoop on these fascinating insects. I’m gonna tell you all about the different species of cockroaches, their unique features and maybe even some fun facts. For example, do you know where the name cockroach comes from? So, whether you’re a bug enthusiast or just curious about these creepy crawlies, get ready to be amazed!

Common Household Cockroach Species

German Cockroach

Ah, the German cockroach, one of the most common household pests you’ll find. These little guys are light brown to tan in color and grow to be about .5 inches to 5/8 of an inch in length. You’ll find them scurrying around your kitchen, especially near your sink and stove, looking for food and water. (Source: University of Kentucky Entomology)

American Cockroach

Meet the American cockroach, another common household pest that likes to party in your kitchen and bathrooms. These guys are big, growing up to 2 inches long, and are reddish-brown in color. They’re also known to fly, so watch out! (Source: University of Kentucky Entomology)

Oriental Cockroach

Next up, we have the Oriental cockroach, sometimes called waterbugs. These guys are dark brown to black and grow to be about 1 inch You’ll often find them in damp, dark areas like basements and crawl spaces. (Source: University of Kentucky Entomology)

Brown-Banded Cockroach

The brown-banded cockroach is another household pest, but these guys like to hang out in different parts of your home, like bedrooms and living rooms. They’re small, about 1/2 inch long, and are light brown with two lighter bands across their body. (Source: University of Kentucky Entomology)

Smokybrown Cockroach

Last but not least, the smokybrown cockroach, another common household pest that likes to live outside but will venture inside if the conditions are right. These guys are big, growing up to 1.5 inches long, and are shiny mahogany brown in color. (Source: University of Kentucky Entomology)

These are just a few of the cockroach species that you might find in your home. But don’t worry, there’s more to come!

Rare Cockroaches

Madagascar Hissing Cockroach

Have you ever heard a roach hiss? Well, meet the Madagascar Hissing Cockroach, one of the rarest and most unique roaches out there. These guys can grow up to 4 1/4 inches long and are native to the forests of Madagascar. They get their name from the loud hissing sound they make when they’re threatened or trying to attract a mate. (Source: National Geographic)

Giant Hairy Cockroach

Next up, we have the Giant Hairy Cockroach, also known as the Giant Jewel Cockroach. These guys are native to Australia and can grow up to 3 inches length. As you can guess from their name, they have a lot of hair on their bodies which makes them look a bit like a furry little bug. (Source: National Geographic)

Giant Cave Cockroach

Last but not least, we have the Giant Cave Cockroach, also known as the Cave Roach or Forest Cockroach. These guys are native to Southeast Asia and can grow up to 3 1/4 inches in length. They’re known for their distinctive shape, with long antennae and legs that make them look a bit like a spider. (Source: National Geographic)

So there you have it, folks, some of the rarest roaches out there. And did you know there is one cockroach that can actually jump? Who knew bugs could be so unique and interesting, huh?

Prettiest Cockroaches

Unique Features of Cockroaches

You might be thinking “prettiest cockroaches, what now?” But trust me, some roaches have some pretty cool and unique features that make them aesthetically pleasing, at least to bug enthusiasts. From vibrant colors to intricate patterns, there’s a lot more to these bugs than meets the eye.

Examples of Aesthetically Pleasing Cockroaches

So, what are some of the most visually appealing roaches out there? Here are a few examples:

• The Rainbow Cockroach: This species has a shiny, iridescent exoskeleton that shimmers in rainbow colors. It’s native to South America and can grow up to 4 cm in length. (Source: National Geographic)
• The Spiny Cockroach: This species has long, spiky spines that cover its body. It’s native to Madagascar and can grow up to 3 cm in length. (Source: National Geographic)
• The Death’s Head Cockroach: This species has a unique “death’s head” pattern on its back, which looks like a skull. It’s native to South America and can grow up to 6 cm in length. (Source: National Geographic)

So, while they might not be the traditional definition of pretty, these cockroaches certainly have some unique and interesting features that set them apart.

Fattest Cockroach

Cockroaches are known for their high-calorie diets, which allow them to store a lot of energy in their bodies. This energy is essential for their survival, as it helps them to reproduce and move quickly when they’re threatened. But there is one cockroach species that is known to be just fat.

The Giant Burrowing Cockroach.

This little fella’… correction, this big fella comes in at a whopping 1 ounce… and pretty much covers your entire hand. Check out the video below to see just how plump this guy is.

However, it’s worth mentioning that the American Cockroach, one of the most common household cockroaches, can grow up to 1 1/2 inches in length and have a fairly plump body. They have a high metabolism, which allows them to consume large amounts of food in short periods of time, contributing to their bulk.

While many won’t get as fat as the Giant Burrowing Cockroach, it’s safe to say that all cockroaches have the potential to pack on the pounds thanks to their high-calorie diets.

The Biggest Hissing Cockroach

Madagascar Hissing Cockroach

The biggest hissing cockroach is the Madagascar Hissing Cockroach. These roaches are native to Madagascar and can grow up to 4 1/2 inches in length, making them one of the largest species of cockroach in the world.

Harmlessness to Humans

Despite their large size, the Madagascar Hissing Cockroach is harmless to humans. They are often kept as pets due to their unique hissing sound and their relatively docile nature. These roaches are not known to bite or transmit any diseases to humans.

In fact, Madagascar Hissing Cockroaches are considered beneficial to the environment as they play a key role in breaking down organic matter and returning nutrients to the soil. They are also a valuable food source for many species of bird and small mammal in their native habitat.

Overall, the Madagascar Hissing Cockroach may be big and intimidating, but they’re actually quite harmless and play an important role in the ecosystem.