Ecology, Behavior, and Distribution of \u3ci\u3eBlattella asahinai\u3c/i\u3e (Orthoptera: Blattellidae) in Central Florida

The Asian cockroach, Blattella asahinai Mizukubo, a close relative of the German cockroach, B. germanica (L.), has been discovered in over 900 km2 from Tampa to Lakeland, Fla., and is prevalent in citrus groves, wooded areas, lawns, and homes. Differentiation of the two species is best accomplished by the diagnostic behavior of the Asian cockroach-it is crepuscular (sunset) and nocturnal, readily flies, is attracted at sunset to light-colored or brightly lit surfaces, and lives outdoors in large numbers. Analyses of microhabitat composition of 86 trap sites indicate that the principal habitat of the Asian cockroach is leaf litter in shaded areas. Here, the densities of nymphs and females bearing oothecae were highest. All other adults were more diffusely distributed. Asian cockroaches may be difficult to control because of the mobility of the species and the common occurrence of feral reservoirs