Drymaplaneta semivitta explained

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 city of Gisborne where it was first discovered in the country.[1] It has also been claimed to have first appeared in Tauranga in 1954, probably arriving on a log shipment.[2]

Distinctive features

One of the larger cockroaches, Drymaplaneta semivitta is about 20–45mm long[3] and 12–15mm wide.[4] It is a glossy dark brown, with distinctive tan or white coloured translucent stripes along each side of its head.[5] Unlike many cockroaches, it has no vestigial wings.[4]

In males, the third and fourth maxillary palps are enlarged, and the hind tibiae are flattened and expanded.[6] [7]

Habitat and diet

Drymaplaneta semivitta is often found in wood material, such as timber or bark chips. It feeds off organic material but does not normally infest food. In cold weather, it can be found in roof cavities and the empty spaces between walls.[4] D. semivitta is generally regarded as harmless.[8]

Biology

Hex-2-enal is present in the defensive secretions of D. semivitta. This chemical also occurs in some other species of Drymaplaneta.[9]

Range

Drymaplaneta semivitta is most often found in Melbourne, Sydney, and throughout the North Island of New Zealand, and also in Nelson and Blenheim, although it has been found as far south as Timaru.

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Gisborne cockroach . Landcare Research . 19 February 2022.
  2. Book: Parkinson B. J. & Horne D. . A photographic guide to insects of New Zealand . New Holland. . 2007 . 25.
  3. Web site: Gisborne cockroach . Rentokil . 19 February 2022.
  4. Web site: Cockroach Information . Flybusters Insect Control (NZ) . 19 March 2010 . https://web.archive.org/web/20100526034734/http://www.flybusters.co.nz/Cockroach+Information.html . 26 May 2010 . dead .
  5. Web site: Gisborne cockroach . PaDIL . Australian Government . 18 January 2015 . 21 February 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220221104237/https://www.padil.gov.au/pests-and-diseases/pest/main/136549 . dead .
  6. Roth. Louis M.. January 1999. Descriptions of new taxa, redescriptions, and records of cockroaches, mostly from Malaysia and Indonesia (Dictyoptera: Blattaria). Oriental Insects. 33. 1. 109–185. 10.1080/00305316.1999.10433789. 0030-5316.
  7. Mackerras. M. J.. 1968. Australian Blattidae (Blattodea) IX. Revision of the Polyzosteriinae tribe Methanini, Tryonicinae, and Blattinae. Australian Journal of Zoology. 16. 3. 511–575. 10.1071/zo9680511. 1446-5698.
  8. Web site: Gisborne cockroach an unlikely guest . The Timaru Herald . . 19 March 2010.
  9. Wallbank. B. E.. Waterhouse. D. F.. 1970-11-01. The defensive secretions of Polyzosteria and related cockroaches. Journal of Insect Physiology. 16. 11. 2081–2096. 10.1016/0022-1910(70)90081-8. 0022-1910.

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