The American cockroach is the largest of the common species, growing to a length of 1-1/2 inches or more. It's dark red to dark brown in color, with light markings on the thorax. Both sexes are fully winged, the male's wings extending beyond the tip of the abdomen while the female's are about the same length as the abdomen. Females drop their oothecae within a day after they are formed. Oothecae may simply be dropped in a suitable location or glued to some surface with oral secretions. Oothecae are formed at the rate of about one per week until 15 to 90 capsules are produced.

Each ootheca contains 14 to 16 eggs. At room temperature, nymphs hatch out in 45 to 55 days. As they hatch, the nymphs molt, leaving thin cast skins in the egg case. Under ideal conditions, nymphs can reach maturity in 5 months. However, under adverse conditions, 12-24 months may be required for sexually mature adults to develop.

American cockroaches prefer a warm, moist habitat. They're common in food-handling establishments and industrial plants. Outdoors, in countries which have the climate, they live under tree bark, in sewers, or in underground utility chases. This species may travel directly from the sewer to your home carrying organisms on its body and legs that could contaminate your food and kitchen surfaces.

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