Insect Data

Names and Taxonomy

  • Common Names: Turkestan cockroach, rusty red cockroach, red runner cockroach, rusty red, red runner, or lat
  • Synonyms: Shelfordella lateralis, Blatta lateralis
  • Order: Blattodea (Cockroaches and Termites)
  • Family: Blattidae (Cockroaches)
  • Genus Information: nk species in NV, 3 in CA, 47 in US, none are native

Distribution

  • Distribution: The species is native to central Asia, the Caucasus Mountains, and northeastern Africa. It is introduced worldwide. First in US 1978.
  • Seen: Henderson Bird Viewing Preserve
  • Habitat: primarily an outdoor insect. In Arabia, it lives beneath stones in damp hollows, desert farms, and wadis, feeding primarily at night.
  • Food: fruits, vegetables, grains, and food scraps, and requires hydration from moist food sources

Photographs

Turkestan Cockroach (Periplaneta lateralis)

Henderson Bird Viewing Preserve

Turkestan Cockroach (Periplaneta lateralis)

Henderson Bird Viewing Preserve