Wahlberg's Cockroach vs Mitchell's Diurnal Cockroach

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Wahlberg's Cockroach Mitchell's Diurnal Cockroach
Scientific Name Deropeltis wahlbergi Polyzosteria mitchelli
Order Blattodea Blattodea
Family Blattidae Blattidae
Size 25-35 mm 30-40 mm
Habitat Grasslands Deserts & Drylands
Diet Detritivores Herbivores
Regions Southern Africa (South Africa, Mozambique) Australia
Conservation Not Evaluated Least Concern

Wahlberg's Cockroach

A medium-sized black cockroach with orange wing margins found in southern Africa. It is named after the Swedish naturalist Johan August Wahlberg.

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Did You Know?

It curls up defensively like a pillbug when handled, a behavior unusual among cockroaches.

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.