American cockroaches are the largest cockroach species that you will commonly encounter. The American cockroach is often referred to as the "Palmetto" bug. Adult roaches vary from 1 1/2" - 2 1/8" long. They are a reddish brown color with a pale brown to yellowish band around the edge of the pronotum (shield). Both the male and female have wings and are capable of flying.
Younger nymphs are grayish brown; older nymphs reddish brown. Egg capsules are dark reddish to blackish brown. They are about 3/8" long with 8 eggs per side (total 16 eggs). The egg capsule is deposited within a few hours to up to 4 days after it is formed. It is dropped or glued to a surface, usually in a crack, near high humidity and a food source. The female will produce 9-10 egg capsules during her life. Developmental time from egg to adult averages about 600 days (with 10-13 molts). Adults average about 440 days old at room temperatures, but at 84°F may only live 225 days.
American cockroaches may be found in homes, but are more often found in commercial structures where they infest food-storage and food-prep areas and steam tunnels. During summer months they may be found outdoors, and are the most common species found in sewers in the United States. They may be carried into structures, come in through sewers and drains, or migrate from other structures, dumps, etc. They may feed on many kinds of food, but show a particular fondness for fermenting food.
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