The oriental cockroach (Blatta orientalis), also known as the waterbug (as they live in damp areas) or black cockroach (as their bodies are mostly dark), is a large species of cockroach, adult males being 18–29 mm (23⁄32–1+5⁄32 in) and adult females being 20–27 mm (25⁄32–1+1⁄16 in). It is dark brown or black in color and has a glossy body. The female has a somewhat different appearance from the male, appearing to be wingless at a casual glance, but is brachypterous, having non-functional wings just below her head. She has a wider body than the male. The male has long wings, which cover three quarters of the abdomen and are brown in color, and has a narrower body.
From Wikipedia, under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Is it venomous or poisonous?
We have no record of Oriental Cockroach being toxic, poisonous or venomous. That is not proof that it is safe. Never eat, touch or handle a wild plant, mushroom or animal on the strength of an identification; ask someone qualified.
Easily confused with
- Crescispina japonica
- Validiblatta fuliginosa
- Parcoblatta uhleriana
- Periplaneta lateralis
- Parcoblatta americana
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Blattodea
- Family
- Blattidae
- Genus
- Blatta
- Species
- Blatta orientalis
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