Spot the differences

When we hear the word 'cockroach', the image that comes up to mind is a dark brown, slightly elongated creature, looking for all in the world like the fruit of the date palm. Surprisingly, that creature is not native to India. Rather, they came in on the boats from across the Atlantic, for those are the 'classic' American roaches - the ones that are probably common all across the world, as their scientific name, Periplaneta americana would indicate.

The Indian Cockroach, on the other hand, is not all that common. Chances are that, even if you were to see one, you might think it is some kind of a ladybird beetle and would pass along, thinking that you don't often see a ladybird in black and white. But what you have seen is indeed the seven-spotted Indian cockroach, the Therea petiveriana. Now you know how to spot one the next time around!