American and Australian cockroaches would be the most common large cockroaches encountered by pest managers. But there is a third large cockroach species found on the North Island of New Zealand.
Would you be able to identify a the Gisbourne cockroach?
Common name: Gisbourne Cockroach
Other common name(s): Shining cockroach
Scientific name(s): The Gisbourne cockroach and most common species of shining cockroach is Drymaplaneta semivitta (5 other Drymaplaneta species in Australia)
Description: Large cockroach with very glossy, dark brown exoskeletons. Nymphs and adults completely wingless. Easily distinguished from nymphs of American cockroach by having white band around the edges of the front half of the body.
Geographic distribution: Common accros the North Island of New Zealand.
Habitat: Found under bark and in mulched garden beds.
Pest status: Can be common in suitable garden environments, where they can frequently wander into houses. Will eat food scraps if available.
Treatment: If a specific treatment is required, as per large cockroach species such as the American cockroach.
(Other cockroach species)
Daniel Heald, technician and entomologist.
Images produced with kind permission from Daniel Heald.
