Big-legged Bug vs Surinam Cockroach

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Big-legged Bug Surinam Cockroach
Scientific Name Acanthocephala terminalis Pycnoscelus surinamensis
Order Hemiptera Blattodea
Family Coreidae Blaberidae
Size 17-23 mm 18-25 mm
Habitat Underground Underground
Diet Sap Feeders Root Feeders
Regions Eastern North America South America, North America, Asia, Oceania
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Big-legged Bug

A large, dark coreid bug found in eastern North America with prominently expanded hind tibiae. The hind femora of males are greatly swollen with large spines. It feeds on a wide variety of trees and shrubs.

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Did You Know?

The exaggerated hind legs of males serve as weapons and signals of fitness, with larger-legged males winning more fights and mates.

Surinam Cockroach

A burrowing cockroach that reproduces entirely through parthenogenesis, with virtually all individuals being female. It is a common pest in tropical greenhouses.

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Did You Know?

This cockroach reproduces almost exclusively by parthenogenesis, meaning females produce clones of themselves without needing to mate with males.