How Small Are Cockroach Nymphs?
WouterCockroach nymphs are the young form of cockroaches and have not yet reached adulthood. Each time they molt, they shed their exoskeletons and grow new ones. This process can occur as many as eight times before the cockroach reaches adulthood.
Adult roaches lay eggs in their oothecae every month. These eggs are about one eighth inch long. These eggs are a dark brown color. The baby nymphs will later develop a tan stripe at the back of their heads. As they grow up, their size increases, and they reach 18 inches long.
Cockroach nymphs vary in size from one species to the next. American cockroaches are larger than their German cousins and are one eighth the size when hatching. American cockroach nymphs are white when they are newly hatched and gradually change color to grayish brown. They also have long, spiny legs. They have no wings.
In addition to being smaller than American cockroaches, Asian cockroach nymphs are smaller than German cockroaches. They are three eighths the size and have a brown body with a thorax with two slender antennae. The adults of these cockroaches are much larger.
Cockroach nymphs are similar to adults in appearance, but their wings aren’t developed yet, which is why baby roaches can’t fly. Baby cockroaches usually hide in tight cracks and hard-to-reach places. This means that if you find a cockroach in your home, it’s most likely because the cockroach’s nest is nearby.
