A to Z of Pests

Lesser Cockroach

Ectobius panzeri

Appearance

• Males: 6–8mm; females: 5–7mm.
• Pale to dark brown, legs dark brown or black. Tegmina (leathery outer wings) are pale–yellow brown with dark speckles.

Lifecycle

• Egg cases, known as oothecae, are produced and carried by the female for one or two days between June and September.
• They overwinter on the ground and the nymphs hatch in the spring.
• The nymphs hibernate during the late stages of development to become adult in May–June.
• The adults die in September – October.

Habits

• Adults are not easy to find.
• These cockroaches have a preference for coastal and sandy plains.
• Males only fly in warm weather.