View source for Brown-banded cockroach

The brown-banded cockroach (*Supella longipalpa*) is a small species measuring 10-14 mm in length, with a tan to light brown coloration and distinct bands across its wings. Native to Africa, it has spread globally and can be found in regions like the northeastern, southern, and midwest United States, as well as Britain and Ireland. These cockroaches prefer warmer indoor environments, avoiding moisture and light, and are often found in attics or wall voids.

Their diet is varied, feeding on starches, sweets, and other organic matter. Experiments reveal that larvae exhibit a preference for casein over glucose, though they cannot survive solely on one nutrient source.

Physiologically, the brown-banded cockroach has maxillary palps equipped with sensilla, suggesting olfactory roles in sensing their environment.

Sexual communication involves females producing *supellapyrone*, a pheromone that attracts males. This compound is synthesized through specific stereochemical processes and only females produce the RR isomer, though males respond to other stereoisomers as well. Pheromone production and calling behavior are regulated by corpora allata and juvenile hormone activity.

Mating suppresses calling in females temporarily, but this can resume under certain conditions. Their reproductive behavior highlights a complex interplay between hormonal regulation and neural feedback mechanisms.

Overall, the brown-banded cockroach's biology—ranging from habitat preferences to chemical communication—provides insights into its ecological success and behavioral adaptability.