LIBRARY

BLATTARIA 113
dwelling houses, hotels. slaughter houses, garbage dumps, and similar locations
affording food and protection.
The Australian cockroach, Periplaneta australasice (Fabricius) (Fig. 43), is a
pale reddish·brown species 20-25 mm. long with a conspicuous humeral stripe
at the base of each tegmen and a yellow area around t.he margin of the pronotum
which forms a double dark blotch on the dorsum. Although called the Austra·
lian roach, it is not a native of that continent but is probably indigenous to
Malaysia. It has, however, become cosmopolitan and is one of the commonest
species on ships. In habits it is similar to the preceding species.
The American cockroach, Periplaneta americana (Linmeus) (Fig. 43), is the
largest of these three species, attaining a length of 25-35 mm. and appearing
much larger. It is indigenous to Mexico and Central America, whence it has
been carried by commerce throughout the world. Its habits are similar to those
of the two preceding species. It often flies, and is common in the streets and
open fields by night and may also be seen during the day.
The brown roach, Periplaneta brunnea Burmeister, and Slylophaga rhombifolia
(Stoll) are also cosmopolitan members of the family.
Family PHYLLODROMIIDJE Brunner 1865 (Phyl'lo-drom-i'i-dre, from the
Greek cpv?.]..oP, a leaf, + 0P0fJ.0fJ.EVS, that runs).
A large and varied group which may no doubt be separated into a number
of valid families and many subfamilies. The species are indeed irregular in
size, color, and the condition of the wings. They are widely distributed, and
many are cosmopolitan.
The most important species is the common cockroach, German roach, or
croton bug, Blattella germanica (Linnreus) (Blatta, Phyllodrornia) which is also
the most widely distributed, best known, and perhaps the most pestiferous
member of the whole order, at least in the temperate regions. Its native home
is believed to be Europe, but the insect has most effectively followed the human
race throughout the world. It is the smallest of the common domesticated
species, being only 10-12 mm. in length. The color is pale yellowish-brown with
two darker brown longitudinal stripes on the pronotum. The oothecze are
amber-yellow, with parallel edges and flattened sides, 7-8 mm. long and
3-4 mm. wide, and contain from 36 to 40 eggs arranged in parallel rows. This
species is a great nuisance in kitchens, pantries, bakeries, warehouses, manu·
facturing plants, and ships, where foodstuffs are prepared or stored and where
temperatures and humidity make living conditions congenial for the species.
It is also abundant in garbage dumps and debris of all kinds. It emits a distinctive
odor which may be described as pleasant until its source is known. It
increases rapidly, often swarms in great numbers, and is a remarkably swift
runner.
The Surinam, burrowing, or dusty-tail roach, Leucophma surinam ens is (Lin·
nreus) (Pycnoscelus), is a robust tropical species of wide distribution, being
14-20 mm. long and dark brown or blackish with pale-brown wings. The
apterous young are polished with the exception of the apical portion of the