Common Name: German cockroach
Scientific Name: Blattella germanica (Linnaeus)
Order: Blattaria
Description: The adult German cockroach is about 5/8 inch long,
overall light brown in color and wings which cover the abdomen. The thoracic
shield just behind the head (pronotum) is marked with two prominent black
stripes. Immature stages (nymphs) are smaller, wingless and have a pale stripe
(on at least the second and third thoracic segments in first stage nymphs) running
lengthwise down the middle of the darker brown body.
Pest Status: One of the most common household cockroach pests in the state; presence in homes is a nuisance and they may spread food contaminants. Some people have allergic reactions to cockroaches or cockroach residues (e.g., feces, body extracts).
Common name: American cockroach
Scientific name: Periplaneta americana Linnaeus
Order: Blattaria
Description: This is one of the largest common cockroaches
in Texas, reaching 1-1/2 to 2 inches. They are reddish-brown in color. The
shield portion behind the head (prothorax) has a margin of light brown or
yellow.
Pest Status: Although not shown to be direct carriers of disease, they can contaminate food and kitchen utensils with excrement and salivary secretions and leave an unpleasant odor.
