Madeira Cockroach

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What Is a Madeira Cockroach?

The Madeira cockroach, Rhyparobia Madera, is a large cockroach that is considered a pest in orchards and plantations and is also known to infest stores where fruit is sold. At around 1.5 to 2 inches in length, Madeira cockroaches are thought to have come from West Africa and other tropical locations like South American and the West Indies to the United States and is often intercepted on marine vessels at seaports. 

What Do Madeira Cockroaches Look Like?

The Madeira cockroach is a large cockroach that is pale brown to tawny-olive in color. They have forewings that cover their bodies, and are characterized by two black lines at the base of the wings, and small spots all over the entirety of each wing. Male and female Madeira cockroaches have a similar appearance to one another. 

What Do Madeira Cockroaches Live?

In the United States, the Madeira cockroach can be found in Hawaii, New York City and California—port locations where boats from tropical areas bring goods into the country. The Madeira cockroach is a tropical cockroach and thrives in high temperatures and humidity. This environment, whether outside or indoors, is where Madeira cockroach numbers multiply rapidly as they’re conducive for procreation and finding optimal foraging. 

Strange Facts About Madeira Cockroaches

Madeira Cockroaches can do two things which are relatively rare in the cockroach world. They are able to stridulate, meaning they are able to make a piercing sound by rubbing their legs together, much like a grasshopper or cricket does. Madeira cockroaches also produce an offensive smell when they are disturbed. 

What Do Madeira Cockroaches Eat?

As a tropical species, Madeira cockroaches prefer to eat fruit like bananas, guava and sugar cane. If you have found one in your home, it likely came in on a newly purchased plant or with fruit you have purchased at a store. Adult Madeira cockroaches are quick on their feet as well as being good fliers and can be difficult to catch. 

Find A Pest Specialist For Cockroach Control

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