"The Brown-banded Cockroach" (Supella longigalpa or S. supellectilium)

The name "brown-banded" cockroach is much more appropriate for the nymphs than for the adults. This cockroach is now officially reported throughout the United States. In regard to the distribution of this insect, Gould and Deay (1940) have this to say: "This species is gregarious and hides in cupboards, pantries or even in other rooms of the house. Preferences are shown for high locations such as shelves in closets, behind pictures and picture moldings, and the like. Egg capsules may be deposited about the kitchen sink, desks, tables and other furniture, and even in bedding. This habit of hiding capsules in furniture probably accounts for its spread northward, for it has been found that infested premises follow a trip to the South, or transportation of goods from a southern state."

In a survey made in the cities of Houston, San Antonio, San Marcos and Austin, Texas, by Mallis (1969), it has observed that the brown-banded cockroach was far less prevalent than the German cockroach. Notes on the brown-banded cockroach from this survey follow: "The brown-banded cockroach, although not too common, was widely distributed throughout the apartment and probably was the most common cockroach to be seen in the bedroom. Its favorite dwelling places were beneath and behind braces in the corners of kitchen chairs, and underneath tables, as well as behind pictures and other objects on walls, and in shower stalls. The egg capsules were as widely distributed as the adults and were commonly fastened on walls and ceilings. German and brown-banded cockroaches often were found in the same crevice. It is of interest to note that a male brown-banded cockroach was observed flying indoors."

The brown-banded cockroach, to some extent, replaced the German cockroach as a household pest in Southern California. In recent years it has, on occasion, become an important pest in some parts of the North.

This cockroach, which is in some respects similar to the German cockroach, may be distinguished from it by the following characteristics, according to Back (1937):

1.- There is a greater difference in from between the male and the female than between the two sexes of the German cockroach.

2.- The brown-banded cockroach lacks the two dark stripes on the thorax found on the German cockroach.

3.- The wings are twice-banded with brownish yellow stripes.

4.- The egg capsule is smaller than that of the German cockroach, being but 3/16 inches long, and having about half as many eggs.

Gould and Deay (1940) studied the biology of this cockroach. They found the insects are active and fly readily when disturbed. The brown-banded cockroach may be found with other cockroaches in buildings. The egg capsule is yellowish or reddish brown in color and is 3/16 inch in length. The female carries the egg capsule for 24 to 36 hours and then attaches it to some object. The maximum number of eggs to be found in a capsule was 18. The average number of young to emerge from a capsule was 13.2 at room temperature. The flattened virgin female develops an enormously enlarged abdomen when she becomes gravid. At 77 degrees F, the average incubation period is 69.7 days. The females produce a greater number of capsules during the summer.

The time for complete development of the cockroach varied from 95 to 276 days, with an average of 161 days. The males have a shorter development period. The brown-banded cockroach prefers temperatures over 80 degrees F, temperatures below 75 degrees F retard its development.

When a few German cockroaches are placed in a culture of brown-banded cockroaches, the German species will outcompete the brown-banded cockroach within nine months.