Cockroach

Blaberidae

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Blattellidae

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Blattidae

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Cryptocercidae

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Polyphagidae

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Nocticolidae

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Cockroaches are insects of the order Blattodea (the name Blattaria is also seen). The names of the order are derived from Greek blatta, meaning "cockroach". There are roughly 3,500 species in 6 families. Cockroaches exist worldwide, with the exception of the polar regions and in elevations above 2,000 m (6,500 ft).

Related Topics:
Insect - Order - Greek

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Among the most well-known species are the American cockroach, Periplaneta americana, which is about 3 cm long, and the German cockroach, Blattella germanica, about 1.5 cm long. Tropical cockroaches are often much bigger. When infesting buildings, cockroaches are considered pests.

Related Topics:
American cockroach - German cockroach - Tropical - Pest

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The earliest fossils of cockroaches are from the Carboniferous period between 354–295 million years ago.

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