American cockroach
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| Periplaneta americana Linnaeus, 1758 |
The American cockroach (Periplaneta americana) is a large species of cockroach, winged, and growing to a length of 1" to 1½" (2.5 cm to 4 cm). It is very common in the southern United States, and in tropical climates, and can be found in many locations throughout the world, due to its travels via shipping and commerce between locations. In the southern U.S., it is often called a Palmetto Bug or a Waterbug. Sightings have been reported in the northeast U.S., such as in New York City, and in southeast Canada, such as in Montreal, where it is mostly found near human habitations due to its lack of cold tolerance. The American cockroach can also be found near various ports throughout the world.
The insect is believed to have originated in Africa, but had become established in the southern U.S. by the time that it was given its name.
The insect can travel quickly, often darting out of sight when someone enters a room, and can fit into small cracks and under doors despite its fairly large size. It is known to be very mobile, and it also has wings which allow it to be quite a capable flier.
It prefers warmer climates and is not cold tolerant; however, it may survive indoors in colder climates. It does well in moist conditions but also can tolerate dry conditions as long as water is available.
The insect is often considered a pest since it invades living quarters for sanctuary and food.
[edit] American cockroaches in popular culture
Most people react to the sight of a cockroach with disgust. The final segment in Stephen King's 1982 horror anthology Creepshow plays on this fear with its depiction of a ruthless tycoon (in an acclaimed performance by E.G. Marshall), imprisoned in his sterile penthouse by his Howard Hughes-like germaphobia, who is paid back for his cruelty to others by a vengeful army of invading roaches.
The 1996 film Joe's Apartment presents the cockroach in a somewhat more sympathetic light, showing the thousands of anthropomorphic roaches (who speak with high pitched "Chipmunk" voices) inhabiting a dingy New York City apartment as creative, mischievous, and ultimately noble - helping to win back a girl's love for the apartment tenant after originally scaring her away.
archy and mehitabel is a series of newspaper columns started in 1916 by Don Marquis, featuring a popular cockroach named Archy who had been a poet in a previous life, and who as a cockroach continues producing poetry and satiric commentary by laboriously hurling himself onto typewriter keys.
