| DESCRIPTION |
 |
Similar species: The field cockroach resembles the
German cockroach (Blattella
germanica), and is only slightly smaller. It can be distinguished
by the blackish-brown area on the face, from the mouthparts to between the
eyes, that is absent from the German cockroach. The 2 parallel, longitudinal
stripes on the pronotum of B. vaga are similar to those of B. germanica,
but are very dark and more sharply defined. With the aid of a hand lens,
the 2 species can be told apart by differences in the subgenital plate.
Distribution: The Field Cockroach may be of Asian origin. Its nearest
relative occurs in India. It California, it may now be found in irrigated
fields and in southern California yards.