Surat Cockroach vs Petroleum Fly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Surat Cockroach | Petroleum Fly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Periplaneta indica | Helaeomyia petrolei |
| Order | Blattodea | Diptera |
| Family | Blattidae | Ephydridae |
| Size | 22-30 mm | 5 mm |
| Habitat | Gardens | Underground |
| Diet | Omnivores | Omnivores |
| Regions | India, Sri Lanka | North America |
| Conservation | Not Evaluated | Least Concern |
Surat Cockroach
A medium-sized cockroach native to the Indian subcontinent. It has a dark brown body and is commonly found in buildings.
Did You Know?
It is particularly abundant in the monsoon season when increased humidity drives it indoors.
Petroleum Fly
The only insect whose larvae develop in crude petroleum. Found in natural oil seeps in California, including the La Brea Tar Pits. Larvae eat insects trapped in the oil.
Did You Know?
This is the only animal on Earth that develops in crude oil — a substance toxic to virtually all other life. Its larvae swim through petroleum and breathe through snorkel-like tubes.