What Size Is the Biggest Cockroach in the World?

The largest cockroach in the world is the Australian cockroach, which can grow to be over 8 centimeters long and weigh more than 30 grams. The species lives in deep burrows and feeds on dead leaves. In contrast, most species are much smaller, typically measuring only about 5 centimeters long. However, fossils have revealed the earliest cockroach species, which were around 3.5 inches long.

Although the largest winged cockroach in the world is not yet known, Megaloblatta longipennis is the biggest known cockroach in the world. This species is found in Peru, Ecuador, and Panama. The adult size of the species is 3.7 to 3.9 centimeters and it can grow to eight centimeters in wingspan.

The size of the cockroach varies widely, with female species being larger than males. Cockroaches are streamlined and move on tiptoe to elevate their bodies above the substrate. Their bodies are reddish brown with lighter colored legs. Their wings are about half the length of the abdomen.

American cockroaches are the largest. They can grow up to 2 inches long and 0.8 inches wide. They have wings and have black wings, but do not fly.