Neotemnopteryx sp. (genus)

1 Cockroach at Molonglo Valley, ACT

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Identification history

Neotemnopteryx sp. (genus)	5 Sep 2023	trevorpreston
Neotemnopteryx sp. (genus)	20 Jun 2023	trevorpreston
Panesthia australis	8 Jun 2023	CarbonAI
Periplaneta americana	8 Jun 2023	trevorpreston
Laxta granicollis	11 Apr 2023	CarbonAI
Unidentified	26 Feb 2023	Tapirlord

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10 comments

trevorpreston wrote:

9 Jun 2023

I have been looking at this sighting, its unlike any other sightings on CNM. At first I was thinking Periplaneta americana but on looking through Rentz I think it may be a Neotemnopteryx sp. (N.bifurcata or N.fulva). (A Guide to Cockroaches of Australia p231-232. If anyone is willing I would appreciate some feedback on this possible ID. @Illilanga @RogerF @youning @KimberiRP
Cheers,

RogerF wrote:

9 Jun 2023

What is the exact size. Periplaneta is very large and is domestic.

trevorpreston wrote:

10 Jun 2023

I don't know. Maybe @Tapirlord could clarify that. It is reported as 25-50mm, a large range.

RogerF wrote:

10 Jun 2023

Perhaps Youning can help

RogerF wrote:

10 Jun 2023

I think we really need a specimen to confirm

Tapirlord wrote:

11 Jun 2023

Yeah would have been in the 3-4cm range.

trevorpreston wrote:

11 Jun 2023

Thanks for the size update Tapirlord. That's a reasonably large cockroach. A. periplaneta can be 30-50mm. Rentz says of Neotemnopteryx that they are "larger than many other blattellines" which is a bit vague, but I could possibly infer this means over 25 or 30mm?
The more I look at this sighting, and of examples of American cockroach, and of Neotemnopteryx on the internet and in Rentz, the more I think that this specimen doesn't show typical pronotum patterning of A.periplaneta, but does show subtle markings common in Neotemnopteryx, especially some specimens of N.fulva.
I also find it unlikely (but not impossible) that A.periplaneta, which loves basements, sewers and kitchens would be found in the middle of Bluetts block, it is not a cold loving species. Also, there are no reports of this species on ala, although local pest companies do list them as one of the possible pest cockroach species in Canberra. Nevertheless, this is a much more likely habitat for Neotemnopteryx, and the pronotum markings makes me think it is this Genus.
Any thoughts? @RogerF @illilanga @Youning

RogerF wrote:

20 Jun 2023

When new species are proposed, I think we should check/confirm with Dave Rentz and Youning Su

trevorpreston wrote:

21 Jun 2023

@RogerF could you contact them?
The more I compare this sighting with the species in question the more convinced I am, but it would be good to have an expert opinion to confirm.
A sighting on North Coast Nature Map I think is also Neotemnopteryx Neotemnopteryx sp. (genus) (Cockroach)

RogerF wrote:

21 Jun 2023

Will do

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