BLATTIDAE

Species in the Blattidae family range from black and brown to red in colour, but a few are even iridescent green. Some species have distinctive bands or spots, while others such as Methana marginalis have pale borders. Almost all species in the Blattidae family are flightless except for Methana species. Methana marginalis is a native species found throughout Queensland. It has been introduced to Norfolk Island where it has become a pest, by invading homes and gardens.

Polyzosteria mitchelli

Some species in this family are of economic importance, such as the American cockroach Periplaneta americana which is an introduced pest species commonly found in and around human habitation.

Periplaneta americana (American cockroach)

For more Blattidae species visit the Australian Insect Common Names website