Photo Department of Entomology,
University of Nebraska-Lincoln

• Adult is 1/2 to 5/8 inch long (13-16 mm)
• Long antennae
• Wings cover abdomen
• Visible cerci

• Two dark longitudinal bands on pronotal shield
• Tan to light brown

Brownbanded cockroach (Supella longipalpa)

• Most common cockroach in residences, especially in kitchens; also found in commercial kitchens, food plants, offices, hospitals, and other buildings
• Scavenger on wide range of foods
• Hides in cracks & crevices in kitchens and bathrooms; in heavy infestations, will occupy other rooms
• Prefers warm, humid locations
• Sometimes found outdoors in warm weather, usually near garbage

• Leaves distinctive fecal spots in severe infestations
• Hides during day, active at night
• Runs rapidly
• Adult rarely flies or glides
• Has a distinctive odor
• Female carries light tan egg capsule (1/4-inch or 8 mm long) until hatching
• Can contaminate food, causing illness
• Can damage books, wallpaper, fabrics
• Can cause allergies or asthma in sensitive individuals