Which description matches the German Cockroach's appearance?

Which description matches the German Cockroach's appearance?

• A. 12-20mm long, light brown with two dark longitudinal stripes
• B. 12 mm long, dark brown with two light brown bands
• C. Dark brown with two light bands
• D. Bright green with yellow stripes

Answer: (A)

The key trait being tested is identifying the German cockroach by its distinctive size, color, and the two dark stripes on the pronotum (the shield behind the head). The best match is a small, light brown insect about 12–20 mm long with two dark longitudinal stripes on the pronotum. German cockroaches are typically tan to light brown and noticeably marked by those two dark parallel stripes, which helps distinguish them from other roaches. The other descriptions misstate color or stripe pattern (for example, dark brown with light bands, or bright green with yellow stripes) or give an unlikely size, so they don’t fit the typical appearance.

The key trait being tested is identifying the German cockroach by its distinctive size, color, and the two dark stripes on the pronotum (the shield behind the head). The best match is a small, light brown insect about 12–20 mm long with two dark longitudinal stripes on the pronotum. German cockroaches are typically tan to light brown and noticeably marked by those two dark parallel stripes, which helps distinguish them from other roaches. The other descriptions misstate color or stripe pattern (for example, dark brown with light bands, or bright green with yellow stripes) or give an unlikely size, so they don’t fit the typical appearance.