About Periplaneta fuliginosa Serville, 1838
Characteristics: Though the smokybrown cockroach (Periplaneta fuliginosa) is not closely related to the American cockroach (Periplaneta americana), it is sometimes confused with the latter species. It can be readily distinguished from the American cockroach by its uniform light to dark brown–mahogany coloration. Additionally, unlike the American cockroach, which has a light-rimmed pattern on its thorax, the smokybrown cockroach has a dark, shiny thorax. Habitat and distribution: The smokybrown cockroach is very common in Japan, the southern United States, and tropical climates. In the United States, it is notably found in Florida, Eastern North Carolina, Louisiana, Mississippi, Texas, other Gulf coastal states, and along the southern Mississippi River. It can also be found in Australia, specifically in warmer cities such as Sydney and Brisbane. In South America, its geographical range extends from Argentina to Paraguay. It has also been recently reported in Asia, Europe, Australia, and North America. This species prefers warmer climates and is not cold-tolerant, but it may be able to survive colder climates by moving indoors. It often lives around the perimeters of buildings, especially in areas where it can feed and stay sheltered.
