Laxta sp. (genus)

Bark cockroach at Watson, ACT

Laxta sp. (genus) at Watson, ACT - 6 Aug 2024
Laxta sp. (genus) at Watson, ACT - 6 Aug 2024
Laxta sp. (genus) at Watson, ACT - 6 Aug 2024
Laxta sp. (genus) at Watson, ACT - 6 Aug 2024
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Identification history

Laxta sp. (genus) 7 Aug 2024 trevorpreston
Panesthia sp. (genus) 7 Aug 2024 waltraud
Unidentified 6 Aug 2024 MPW

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User's notes

A very Flattened species of cockroach which adheres tightly to log surface, Even Grey / Camouflaged colour. Keeps very still (not moving). Distinctive Large segmentation, long antennae.

4 comments

waltraud wrote:
   7 Aug 2024
hi Max, the long antennae are a feature of all members of cockroach families (adults and larvae); your photos depict a larva given the wings are not developed, being flat and segmented is a feature of all Blattodea . I assume it is a common wood cockroach which lives in rotting wood; visit Panesthia australis for more info and photos of adults and larvae of various stages.
waltraud wrote:
   7 Aug 2024
interesting - I wouldn't be able to tell the difference between Laxta and Panesthia larvae from the photos; thought larvae of Laxta members are more brownish and larvae of Panesthia australis more shiny.
trevorpreston wrote:
   7 Aug 2024
That's true in general, laxta colour can vary quite a bit, Panesthia are black and shiny, but the shape of Laxta species is quite distinctive.
waltraud wrote:
   7 Aug 2024

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Location information

Sighting information

Additional information

  • Under Decaying Log Associated plant
  • 12mm to 25mm Animal size
  • Unknown Gender
  • Alive / healthy Animal health

Species information

Record quality

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  • Verified by an expert moderator
  • Nearby sighting(s) of same species
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  • Description
  • Additional attributes
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