The American cockroach (scientific name - Periplaneta americana) is a species of cockroach from the Leatherback family. This species is native to tropical Africa, from where it has spread throughout the world thanks to maritime transport.
The American cockroach reaches a length of 3-4 cm. The body color is brown, the elytra are light brown. The head is rounded, the antennae are long. The wings are well developed, which allows the cockroach to fly.
This species is well adapted to a synanthropic lifestyle, that is, to living near humans. It is often found in kitchens, basements, and sewers. Active at night. It feeds on various food waste and can harm food supplies.
The American cockroach reproduces very quickly - in a year the female can lay up to 150 eggs in a special capsule - the ooteca. Eggs attach to various surfaces. This species is considered a dangerous carrier of infectious disease pathogens.