What is the Size of a Baby Cockroach?
WouterA baby cockroach is a small, reddish brown nymph of a cockroach. It grows to be about 1.5 to 2 inches long. It has six legs and a flat hard shell and lacks wings. The body is shiny. It is very difficult to distinguish this nymph from its parent, a full-grown cockroach.
In general, the size of a baby cockroach depends on the species. A common American cockroach can grow to be three inches long, but is usually not much larger than two inches. Other types of cockroaches, such as the Oriental cockroach and the brown-banded cockroach, are smaller, growing to half an inch.
Baby cockroaches are called nymphs, and have small wings and cerci. The color of a baby cockroach depends on its age and species. Some species have colored markings as adults, including the German cockroach, but others are lighter in color.
Although the size of a baby cockroach is similar to the adult, some differences are visible. Most species of cockroaches do not develop wings as adults. A baby cockroach has two thin antennae on its head, a small rear organ called a cerci, and a downward-bent head.
In addition to being smaller than an adult, a baby cockroach is a miniature version of its adult counterpart. Its skin is white at first, but will turn a dark brown color once it has gone through molting. It grows to a full adult size in about six weeks to a year, depending on its species.
