Palmetto Bug

Palmetto Bug.

The American cockroach, also known as the Palmetto Bug or Water Bug in the southern United States, is the largest species of common cockroach and often considered a pest. It is native to the southern United States and common in tropical climates. Human activity has extended the insect’s range of habitation.

Latin Name

Periplaneta americana

Appearance

Adults grow to an average length of around 4 centimeters (1.6 in) and about 7 millimeters (0.28 in) tall. They are reddish brown and have a yellowish margin on the body region behind the head.

Habitat

Palmetto bugs generally live in moist areas, but can survive in dry areas if they have access to water. They prefer warm temperatures around 29 °C (84 °F) and do not tolerate cold temperatures. In residential areas, these insects live in basements and sewers; they may move outdoors into yards during warm weather. They are common in crawl spaces, cracks and crevices of porches, foundations, and walkways adjacent to buildings.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_cockroach