The average female produces about 10 egg cases (oothecae) in her lifetime. Each contains about 20 eggs. Nymphs are reddish- to dark brown or black in color, but with some light or pale white areas depending on the instar. Developmental time from egg to adult is heavily dependent upon temperature and may vary greatly, but averages about 600 days. Adults live for an average of 215 days.

This cockroach is abundant outdoors and is found in tree holes, wood piles, attics of houses and other dark, warm and moist areas. It readily enters structures through lit openings. This species is also often called a "palmetto bug." Apparently native outside the U.S., it is now common in the southern U.S., and occurs north to the Midwest and in southern California.

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