Insect · GBIF taxon 2000167
Periplaneta fuliginosa
Periplaneta fuliginosaAlso known as Smoky Brown Cockroach, Smoky-brown Cockroach
Smokybrown cockroaches are glossy, dark mahogany-black insects that thrive in warm, humid outdoor environments. Unlike many domestic pests, adults possess full wings extending past the abdomen and fly readily toward porch lights at night. They prefer microhabitats like tree hollows, woodpiles, and thick mulch, wandering indoors mainly in search of moisture.
NocturnalInsectWinged
Licensed referenceToby Hudson / CC BY-SA 3.0 · cc-by-sa
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Not EvaluatedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNot Evaluated — not placed on the risk ladderRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Decaying Leaves
- Fungi
- Organic Scraps
Predators
- Spiders
- Toads
- Birds
ThreatsChemical pest control, extreme freezing temperatures, and outdoor habitat loss
HabitatsSubtropical woodlands, gardens, mulch beds, tree hollows, attics, and damp crawlspaces
Life span1–2 years
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- OrderBlattodea
- FamilyBlattidae
- GenusPeriplaneta
- SpeciesPeriplaneta fuliginosa
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskModerate
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is moderate
- Can transfer bacteria to food surfaces and shed asthma-triggering allergens; avoid direct handling.
- Why it is dangerous
- Acts as a mechanical vector for human pathogens like Salmonella and sheds potent asthma allergens.
- How to recognize a risky encounter
- Recognized by a uniform mahogany-to-black color with wings extending beyond the tail tip.
- What to do
- Do not touch bare-handed; use adhesive traps and sanitize exposed indoor surfaces.
Responsible observation
- Outdoor Maintenance: Keep firewood and heavy mulch beds pulled away from house foundations.
- Lighting Adjustment: Use yellow bug lights near exterior doors to reduce night attraction.
- Home Sealing: Caulk gaps around windows, doors, and pipe penetrations to block indoor entry.
Competitor no rights reserved, uploaded by Jesse Rorabaugh · cc0
Parasite 
Close Relative (c) Len Worthington, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA) · cc-by-sa
Close Relative Lucinda Gibson & Ken Walker / CC BY 3.0 au · cc-by
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