What is the scientific name of the largest cockroach? The World’s largest cockroach scientific name Megaloblatta longipennis, and the common cockroach biological name is Blattodea.
Megaloblatta longipennis is the largest of the cockroaches, considering its body length and wingspan. Measuring over 20 cm (7.9 in), this giant insect native to South and Central America belongs to the order Blattodea, like all other cockroaches.
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The common scientific name of the cockroach
The common cockroaches in our urban homes have a scientific name for themselves:
| Common Name | Scientific Name |
|---|---|
| American Cockroach | Periplaneta americana |
| German Cockroach | Blattella germanica |
| Oriental Cockroach | Blatta orientalis |
| Brown-Banded Cockroach | Supella longipalpa |
The characteristic of these cockroaches is that they attack indoor premises. In contrast, Megaloblatta is a wild species of cockroach, not found in homes.
Largest Cockroach Biological Classification
| Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Arthropoda |
| Class | Insecta |
| Order | Blattodea |
| Family | Ectobiidae |
| Subfamily | Nyctiborinae |
| Genus | Megaloblatta |
| Species | longipennis |
| Common Name | Giant cockroach |
The terms scientific, biological, and zoological names refer to the Latin classification of a species by which it is universally recognized. They all mean the same thing in this case.
Where is Megaloblatta longipennis found?
- Native Regions: Colombia, Peru, Ecuador, and Panama
- Habitat: Tropical rainforests, under leaves, and on logs
- Behavior: Nocturnal and reclusive
- Climate Preference: Warm and humid environments
How Big Is the Largest Cockroach?
The Megaloblatta longipennis is known for its impressive wings and size.
| Feature | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Length | Up to 11 cm (4.3 inches) |
| Wingspan | Over 20 cm (7.9 inches) |
| Weight | Around 15–20 grams |
| Color | Reddish-brown with translucent wings |
Its large wings help it glide over short distances – a unique feature not seen in most cockroaches.
What Does the Name Megaloblatta longipennis Mean?
- Megaloblatta: Large cockroach (megalo = large, blatta = cockroach)
- Longipennis: Long-winged (longus = long, penna = wing)
This name accurately describes its physical characteristics – a large insect with very long wings.
Comparison with Other Cockroach Species
Here’s how Megaloblatta longipennis compares to other notable cockroach species:
| Cockroach | Scientific Name | Known For |
|---|---|---|
| Giant Winged Cockroach | Megaloblatta longipennis | Largest wingspan |
| Giant Burrowing Cockroach | Macropanesthia rhinoceros | Heaviest cockroach |
| American Cockroach | Periplaneta americana | Common household cockroach |
| German Cockroach | Blattella germanica | Most common indoor pest |
| Smallest Known Cockroach | Attaphila fungicola | Smallest cockroach (approx. 3 mm) |
Smallest Cockroach Scientific Name
While Megaloblatta longipennis is the largest, the smallest cockroach scientific name ever recorded is:
- Scientific name: Attaphila fungicola
- Size: About 3 mm
- Habitat: Lives in ant colonies and feeds on fungi.
- Location: North and Central America
It is barely visible to the human eye – a huge contrast to the massive Megaloblatta!
What Does Megaloblatta longipennis Eat?
This giant cockroach feeds on:
- Decomposing leaves
- Rotting wood
- Fungus and organic matter
Its decomposing activity is important in recycling nutrients in its habitat, which is a rainforest.
Why is it not considered dangerous?
By its size, Megaloblatta longipennis does not bite or infest homes, does not carry diseases, and is shy and not aggressive. It truly is considered more of a wonder than a pest.
Interesting Facts About Cockroaches
- South American rainforest inhabitant
- The largest wingspan of all cockroaches
- Can glide between trees
- Night-active
- It is on display in entomological museums in different countries worldwide.
Different Types of Cockroach and Their Scientific names
| Common Name | Scientific Name | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| American Cockroach | Periplaneta americana | Large, reddish |
| German Cockroach | Blattella germanica | Indoor pest |
| Oriental Cockroach | Blatta orientalis | Damp areas |
| Brown-banded Cockroach | Supella longipalpa | Light bands |
| Smoky Brown Cockroach | Periplaneta fuliginosa | Dark, flying |
| Australian Cockroach | Periplaneta australasiae | Yellow edges |
| Asian Cockroach | Blattella asahinai | Light attracted |
| Surinam Cockroach | Pycnoscelus surinamensis | Soil burrower |
| Cuban Cockroach | Panchlora nivea | Green, harmless |
| Madagascar Hissing Cockroach | Gromphadorhina portentosa | Hissing sound |
| Turkestan Cockroach | Shelfordella lateralis | Fast runner |
| Florida Woods Cockroach | Eurycotis floridana | Strong odor |
| Lobster Cockroach | Nauphoeta cinerea | Lab insect |
| Death’s Head Cockroach | Blaberus craniifer | Skull mark |
| Giant Cave Cockroach | Blaberus giganteus | Very large |
| Domino Cockroach | Therea petiveriana | Spotted body |
| Indian Sand Cockroach | Polyphaga aegyptiaca | Sandy areas |
| Orange-Spotted Cockroach | Blaptica dubia | Pet feeder |
| Brazilian Cockroach | Blaberus discoidalis | Hardy roach |
| Pale-bordered Field Cockroach | Pseudomops septentrionalis | Field dweller |
In summary
The scientific name of the largest cockroach in the world is Megaloblatta longipennis. This insect holds the record for its long wings, gliding ability, and general mesmerizing features. Cockroaches are not an unwanted household pest; rather, it is a beautiful insect and an asset to the ecosystem.
It doesn’t matter whether you are doing research for a project or you are just curious about the scientific name of the largest cockroach. Real cockroaches are not all nasty insects. Some insects are just records in the wild world.
