About Periplaneta australasiae (Fabricius, 1775)
Periplaneta australasiae (Fabricius, 1775), common name the Australian cockroach, is also known by the synonym Validiblatta australasiae. It is a species of cockroach belonging to the family Blattidae. This is a common tropical cockroach species, with an adult body length ranging from 23–35 mm (0.91–1.38 in). Its overall body color is brown. The tegmina have a noticeable pale lateral stripe or margin, and the pronotum (head shield) has a sharply contrasting pale or yellow margin. It is very similar in appearance to the American cockroach, and is often easily mistaken for that species. It is slightly smaller than the American cockroach, and can be distinguished by a yellow margin on the thorax and yellow streaks on its sides near the base of the wings. Despite its common name, the Australian cockroach is a cosmopolitan species, and was introduced to Australia. It probably originated in Africa. It is very common in the southern United States and across tropical climates, and can now be found in many locations throughout the world due to transport via shipping and international commerce. This species prefers warmer climates and is not cold-tolerant, but it can survive indoors in colder climates. It thrives in moist conditions, but can also tolerate dry conditions as long as water is available. It often lives around the perimeters of buildings. Compared to its close relatives, it appears to prefer eating plants, but it can feed on a wide range of organic matter, including decaying organic matter. Like most cockroaches, it is a scavenger. It may enter buildings to search for food and even take up residence indoors; in warm weather, it may move outdoors and re-enter buildings while foraging for food. In Australia, this species occurs naturally in tropical parts of the country, and has also been found along the east coast from Cape York to the Victorian border.
