Which cockroach species is typically 12–20 mm long?

Which cockroach species is typically 12–20 mm long?

• A. German Cockroach
• B. Brown-Banded Cockroach
• C. American Cockroach
• D. Oriental Cockroach

Answer: (A)

Size helps you distinguish common indoor cockroaches. The German cockroach is the smallest of the typical indoor species, with adults usually about 12–15 mm long and sometimes described up to around 20 mm in some sources. The other major indoor species are noticeably larger: American cockroaches run well over 25 mm, Oriental cockroaches are about 20–25 mm, and brown-banded cockroaches are generally smaller, around roughly 10–14 mm. So a length range of about 12–20 mm most closely matches the German cockroach, making it the best fit.

Size helps you distinguish common indoor cockroaches. The German cockroach is the smallest of the typical indoor species, with adults usually about 12–15 mm long and sometimes described up to around 20 mm in some sources. The other major indoor species are noticeably larger: American cockroaches run well over 25 mm, Oriental cockroaches are about 20–25 mm, and brown-banded cockroaches are generally smaller, around roughly 10–14 mm. So a length range of about 12–20 mm most closely matches the German cockroach, making it the best fit.