Dot Moth vs Australian Cockroach

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Dot Moth Australian Cockroach
Scientific Name Melanchra persicariae Periplaneta australasiae
Order Lepidoptera Blattodea
Family Noctuidae Blattidae
Size 38-48 mm wingspan 23-35 mm
Habitat Underground Underground
Diet Wood Feeders Detritivores
Regions Europe, Central Asia Oceania, Asia, Africa, South America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Dot Moth

A dark bluish-black moth with a conspicuous white kidney-mark on each forewing. Its boldly marked appearance makes it easy to identify at light traps.

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Did You Know?

The white dot on its dark wings is so prominent it can be identified from several feet away.

Australian Cockroach

A large tropical cockroach similar to the American cockroach but with distinctive yellow markings on the pronotum and wing edges. It is a strong flier.

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Did You Know?

Despite its name, the Australian cockroach is believed to have originated in tropical Africa and spread worldwide through maritime trade.