Striped Cockroach vs Mitchell's Diurnal Cockroach

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Striped Cockroach Mitchell's Diurnal Cockroach
Scientific Name Blatta lateralis Polyzosteria mitchelli
Order Blattodea Blattodea
Family Blattidae Blattidae
Size 20-28 mm 30-40 mm
Habitat Underground Deserts & Drylands
Diet Herbivores Herbivores
Regions Central Asia, Middle East, introduced to southern Europe Australia
Conservation Not Evaluated Least Concern

Striped Cockroach

A medium-sized cockroach with distinct lateral stripes along its body. Males have wings while females are wingless with a broad abdomen.

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Did You Know?

It is widely bred as a feeder insect under the name red runner cockroach due to its fast movements.

Mitchell's Diurnal Cockroach

A large, flightless cockroach with a shiny dark blue-black body found in arid Australia. Unlike most cockroaches, it is active during the day.

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Did You Know?

Its bold daytime activity is thought to be possible because its dark, hard body deters predators.