About Drymaplaneta semivitta (Walker, 1868)
Drymaplaneta semivitta is a species of cockroach native to Australia that has been introduced to New Zealand. In New Zealand, it is commonly called the Gisborne cockroach, named for the city of Gisborne where it was first found within the country. There has also been a claim that it first appeared in Tauranga in 1954, most likely arriving via a log shipment. This species is often found in wood materials like timber and bark chips. It feeds on organic material, and does not normally infest stored human food. During cold weather, it can be found in roof cavities and the empty voids between walls. Drymaplaneta semivitta is generally considered harmless. In terms of its range, it is most commonly found in Melbourne and Sydney in Australia, and throughout the North Island of New Zealand. It can also be found in the New Zealand locations of Nelson and Blenheim, and has been recorded as far south as Timaru.
