Ecology, Behavior, and Distribution of Blattella asahinai (Orthoptera: Blattellidae) in Central Florida

Authors

Richard J. Brenner, USDA-ARS, Insects Affecting Man and Animals Research Laboratory, P.O. Box 14565, Gainesville, Fla. 32604
R. S. Patterson, USDA-ARS, Insects Affecting Man and Animals Research Laboratory, P.O. Box 14565, Gainesville, Fla. 32604
P. G. Koehler, Department of Entomology and Nematology, University of Florida, Gainesville, Fla. 32611

Date of this Version

1988

Comments

Published in Ann. Entomol. Soc. Am. 81(3): 432-436 (1988).

Abstract

The Asian cockroach, Blattella asahinai Mizukubo, a close relative of the German cockroach, B. germanica (L.), has been discovered in over 900 km² from Tampa to Lakeland, Fla., and is prevalent in citrus groves, wooded areas, lawns, and homes. Differentiation of the two species is best accomplished by the diagnostic behavior of the Asian cockroach-it is crepuscular (sunset) and nocturnal, readily flies, is attracted at sunset to light-colored or brightly lit surfaces, and lives outdoors in large numbers. Analyses of microhabitat composition of 86 trap sites indicate that the principal habitat of the Asian cockroach is leaf litter in shaded areas. Here, the densities of nymphs and females bearing oothecae were highest. All other adults were more diffusely distributed. Asian cockroaches may be difficult to control because of the mobility of the species and the common occurrence of feral reservoirs.