Surinam Cockroach

(Pycnoscelus surinamensis)

Classification

  • Kingdom: Animalia

  • Phylum: Arthropoda

  • Class: Insecta

  • Order: Blattodea

  • Family: Blaberidae

  • Genus: Pycnoscelus

  • Species: Pycnoscelus surinamensis

Common Names

  • Surinam Cockroach

  • Greenhouse Cockroach

Identification

  • Appearance: Small to medium-sized cockroach, typically about 20-25 mm in length.

  • Color: Females are usually dark brown to black with a shiny appearance. Males are less common and similar in appearance.

  • Distinctive Features: Females are wingless, while males have wings that cover about two-thirds of their abdomen.

Habitat

  • Distribution: Originally from Southeast Asia, but now found in many tropical and subtropical regions globally, including the Americas and the Caribbean.

  • Natural Habitat: Prefers moist, warm environments. Commonly found in greenhouses, gardens, and occasionally indoors.

Ecological Role

  • Diet: Omnivorous, feeding on decaying organic matter, plant material, and small insects.

  • Decomposition: Contributes to the decomposition of organic material, aiding in nutrient recycling.

Behavior

  • Reproduction: Notable for parthenogenesis in females, meaning they can reproduce without males, which are very rare in some populations.

  • Activity Patterns: Primarily nocturnal, avoiding light and feeding at night.

Management in Homes and Gardens

  • Pest Status: Considered a pest in greenhouses and gardens due to its feeding habits, which can damage young plants.

  • Control: Managing moisture levels and eliminating debris can help reduce populations. Chemical control is rarely necessary but can be used if infestations are severe.

Conservation

  • Status: Not considered endangered; it is widespread and adaptable.

  • Conservation Issues: Generally not a focus of conservation efforts due to its status as a pest species.

Research

  • Ongoing research focuses on its reproductive biology, particularly the mechanisms and implications of parthenogenesis, and its potential impacts on local ecosystems when introduced.