Life cycle American cockroach

American cockroach (Periplaneta americana) has a cosmopolita distribution. Although is called American cockroach, is originary from Africa. It is called American cockroach because in America was where it was identify. Females can live between 14 and 31 months. Males between 3 and 12 months. The developement from the egg to an adult is highly influenced by the temperature. The developement average is 20 months, it could be between 6 and 26 months. In that period, a cockroach change 13 times the exoskeleton. Females produce between 6 and 14 egg case which has between 14-16 egg each one. Egg cases are formed every weeks, leave in high humedity areas and close to a power source. Immature cockroaches emerge from egg cases in 50 days.

Cockroaches used to live in dark, warm (about 29ºC) and high humedity areas. American cockroaches feed on dead animals, plant materials, glue, hair, soiled clothing, leftovers and so on. Due to their habitat and diet, american cockroaches are in contac with many microorganism and parasites which could be pathogenic for humans.