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Surinam cockroach

Surinam cockroach

Pycnoscelus surinamensis

A species of Pycnoscelus, Also known as Greenhouse cockroach

Surinam cockroach is commonly observed in tropical, cultivated land areas or in greenhouses. Since the females can reproduce without mating, males of this species are rarely observed. These cockroaches are unlikely to be household pests since they prefer to burrow under soil, mulch, compost, woodpiles, and other similar environments. However, they sometimes get accidentally transported indoors via potted plants.

General Info About Surinam cockroach
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Attributes of Surinam cockroach
Biting/stinging
Not reported
Allergy-causing
Not reported
Defensive attack
Not reported
Venomous
Not reported
Non-poisonous
The Surinam cockroach is non-toxic and generally doesn't pose a risk to human health. No need for excessive worry.
Borer
Not reported
Pollinator
Not reported
Pest-Eating Predatory
Not reported
Phytophagous
The Surinam cockroach feeds on plants, usually without causing significant harm. However, it's important to take the situation seriously if their numbers begin to increase significantly.
Predatory
Not reported
Biting animal or pet
Not reported
Mouthparts Type
Chewing mouthparts
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Appearance of Surinam cockroach
Adults are around 1.8 - 2.5 cm in length, and have dark brown to black bodies with shiny paler brown wings. The front edge of the pronotum (head shield) has a pale white band. While males are rarely produced, male adults have longer wings than females, completely covering the abdomen, although both genders are poor flyers. Nymphs are around 4.5 mm long at birth, translucent white with orange-brown mandibles and spines, and darker eye spots than the rest of the head. Older nymphs develop shiny black anterior abdominal segments, and roughened, dull black posterior segments.
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How to Identify Surinam cockroach?

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Life Cycle of Surinam cockroach
Egg This phase begins as the female surinam cockroach deposits eggs, often in an ootheca. The eggs are usually oblong, protective capsules ensuring their development.
Nymph Upon hatching, nymphs resemble miniature adults but lack wings and functional reproductive organs. They undergo multiple molts, each time increasing in size and gradually developing adult features.
Adult Emerging after the final molt, adult surinam cockroachs possess wings and reproductive capabilities. Their exoskeleton is firmer and darker in coloration, signifying sexual maturity and readiness for mating.
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Adult Size of Surinam cockroach
1.8 - 2.5 cm
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Predators of Surinam cockroach Larvae
Frogs, toads, birds, spiders, mantises, geckos
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Predators of Adult Surinam cockroach
Frogs, toads, birds, monkeys, spiders, mantises, geckos, centroides, rodents, larger species of cockroaches
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Interesting Facts About Surinam cockroach
Surinam cockroach can survive without its head for weeks due to its open circulatory system and ability to breathe through spiracles along its body segments.
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Scientific Classification of Surinam cockroach
Tips for Finding Surinam cockroach
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How Can You Attract Surinam cockroach
Sweet or decaying organic materials can be used as bait since these are likely components of surinam cockroach's natural diet.
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Habitat Preferences of Surinam cockroach Through Different Life Stages
Adult surinam cockroach are typically found in warm, damp environments, often hidden under debris, in leaf litter, or within rotting logs. Searching for their nymphs requires inspecting similar areas, as they prefer humid habitats with abundant organic material for feeding and protection during molting stages. Eggs are generally laid in concealed locations like soil crevices or beneath decomposing vegetation. To find surinam cockroach across different life stages, one should systematically examine tropical and subtropical zones, searching through moist underbrush and decaying organic matter where these insects thrive.
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When is the Best Time to Observe Surinam cockroach
Nighttime is the most suitable time to find surinam cockroach as they are nocturnal creatures and are more active during the night.
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What is the Best Weather to Observe Surinam cockroach
Warm and humid weather conditions are most suitable for locating surinam cockroach because these conditions mimic their natural tropical habitat, where they thrive.
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How and Where Can You Find Surinam cockroach at Different Life Stages
Nymph Surinam cockroach nymphs are smaller and can blend into the substrate. They are often found in dark, damp areas with abundant organic material. Search by carefully examining leaf litter, under logs, or stones in moist environments.
Adolescent surinam cockroach are larger than nymphs but not fully grown. They may be located by searching the same habitats as nymphs but look for slightly bigger specimens that may forage further from their nest.
Adult Surinam cockroach adults are the largest and most recognizable with fully developed wings. They can be found by inspecting potential nesting sites like crevices, beneath appliances, or in utility areas, particularly where food and moisture are present.
Are Surinam cockroach harmful?
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Harmful Effects of Surinam cockroach
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Structural Pests

The surinam cockroach is a structural pest notorious for infesting and harming houses, crops, and personal belongings during its adult and nymph stages. Being omnivorous, it gnaws on diverse materials, causing mild to severe damage. This pest's presence can lead to contamination and spread of pathogens, adding to human distress, especially in densely populated environments. Effective management is critical to prevent its prolific reproduction and widespread impact.

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Hurt Plant

When surinam cockroach infest, they attack a variety of plants. Both adults and nymphs chew through roots, stems, leaves, and fruits, causing damage that can range from mild to severe, depending on the infestation level. Affected plants may show stunted growth, wilting, or reduced yields.

More Effects of Surinam cockroach

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