American Cockroach
(scientific name: Periplaneta americana)
Some Swedish botantist guy named Linnaeus named this roach the American cockroach
because the specimen he was studying came from America. Even though Linnaeus wrote and published
more than 180 books in the 1700s, he didn't pick a great name. In fact, the American cockroach
originated in tropical Africa! Several hundred years ago, this roach stowed away on wooden ships
and was carried all over the globe.
The roach also lives just about anywhere. In tropical regions, it lives outside. They also
thrive in cities. They feed on decaying material and tree sap.
Next bug: The Giant Cave Cockroach
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