Drymaplaneta semivitta

Drymaplaneta semivitta
Drymaplaneta semivitta
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Arthropoda
Class:	Insecta
Order:	Blattodea
Family:	Blattidae
Genus:	Drymaplaneta
Species:	D. semivitta
Binomial name
Drymaplaneta semivitta Walker, 1868

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.^[1]

Distinctive features

One of the larger cockroaches, Drymaplaneta semivitta is about 20-45mm long^[1][2]and 12-15mm wide.^[3] It is coloured a glossy dark brown, with distinctive white stripes along each side of its head.^[2][3][4] D. semivitta, unlike many cockroaches, has no vestigial wings.^[1][2][4]

Habitat and diet

D. semivitta is often found in sources of wood, such as timber or bark chips.^[1][2][5] It feeds off organic material but does not normally infest food.^[1][4] In cold weather, it can be found in roof cavities and the empty spaces between walls.^[2] D. semivitta is generally regarded as harmless.^[5]

Range

D. semivitta is most likely to be found in Melbourne, Sydney^[4] and throughout the North Island of New Zealand, as well as the towns of Nelson and Blenheim,^[1][5] although it has been discovered as far south as Timaru in Canterbury.^[5]

References

1. ^ ^{a b c d e f} "Gisborne cockroach". Bug identification. Landcare Research. http://www.landcareresearch.co.nz/research/biosystematics/invertebrates/invertid/bug_details.asp?Bu_Id=76. Retrieved 19 March 2010. 
2. ^ ^{a b c d e} "Gisborne cockroach". Technical Library. Retnokil. http://www.landcareresearch.co.nz/research/biosystematics/invertebrates/invertid/bug_details.asp?Bu_Id=76. Retrieved 19 March 2010. 
3. ^ ^{a b} "Cockroach Information". Flybusters Insect Control (NZ). http://www.flybusters.co.nz/Cockroach+Information.html. Retrieved 19 March 2010. 
4. ^ ^{a b c d} "Gisborne cockroach". PaDIL. Australian Government. http://www.padil.gov.au/viewPest.aspx?id=776. Retrieved 19 March 2010. 
5. ^ ^{a b c d} "Gisborne cockroach an unlikely guest". The Timaru Herald. Fairfax Media. http://www.stuff.co.nz/timaru-herald/news/539294. Retrieved 19 March 2010.