Surinam Cockroach vs Petroleum Fly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Surinam Cockroach | Petroleum Fly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Pycnoscelus surinamensis | Helaeomyia petrolei |
| Order | Blattodea | Diptera |
| Family | Blaberidae | Ephydridae |
| Size | 18-25 mm | 5 mm |
| Habitat | Underground | Underground |
| Diet | Root Feeders | Omnivores |
| Regions | South America, North America, Asia, Oceania | North America |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Surinam Cockroach
A burrowing cockroach that reproduces entirely through parthenogenesis, with virtually all individuals being female. It is a common pest in tropical greenhouses.
Did You Know?
This cockroach reproduces almost exclusively by parthenogenesis, meaning females produce clones of themselves without needing to mate with males.
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.