Kingdom Animalia Order Blattodea Genus Drymaplaneta Phylum Arthropoda | Class Insecta Family Blattidae Scientific name Drymaplaneta semivitta Rank Species | |
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Similar Drymaplaneta, Common shining cockroach, Drymaplaneta heydeniana, Polyzosteria, Eurycotis | ||
Drymaplaneta semivitta is a species of cockroach native to Australia and introduced to New Zealand. In New Zealand, it is known as the Gisborne cockroach, after the town of Gisborne where it was first discovered in the country.
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Distinctive features
One of the larger cockroaches, Drymaplaneta semivitta is about 20-45mm long and 12-15mm wide. It is coloured a glossy dark brown, with distinctive white stripes along each side of its head. D. semivitta, unlike many cockroaches, has no vestigial wings.
Habitat and diet
D. semivitta is often found in sources of wood, such as timber or bark chips. It feeds off organic material but does not normally infest food. In cold weather, it can be found in roof cavities and the empty spaces between walls. D. semivitta is generally regarded as harmless.
Range
D. semivitta is most likely to be found in Melbourne, Sydney and throughout the North Island of New Zealand, as well as the towns of Nelson and Blenheim, although it has been discovered as far south as Timaru in Canterbury.