How Large Are Cockroaches?

Cockroaches come in a variety of sizes. Most are about one-half to two inches long, and they are characterized by a yellow margin on their pronotum (the body region behind the head). Adult males have wings that cover seventy percent of their body, but females lack wings and only have wing stubs. American cockroaches are about two inches long and are reddish brown. They lay one to eighty-eight eggs in their ootheca. Their lifespan is typically one year.

The American house cockroach is one of the most common pests found in residences. It is 17 mm long. The female carries an egg case until the eggs hatch, which takes about 55-68 days. This cockroach is the most common in residences, and is easily transported. It is also easy to move through small spaces, which makes it a great pest to deal with.

The adults of the brown cockroach are about one-third to one-fourth of an inch (13 mm). The abdomen and antennae are short compared to other species. In addition, the brown roach has dull abdominal segments, a trait that makes it similar to Oriental cockroaches.

Cockroaches live in the dark and avoid light. They are most common in kitchens, where they hide in cracks and crevices.