Do Cockroaches Fly? Photo Identification of Cockroach Species That Fly

Do Cockroaches Fly?

Though cockroaches are not known as adept flyers, several cockroach species in the US have the ability to fly. They are attracted to light, heat, and moisture and will use their ability to fly to enter the home through open windows and doors. They also use their ability to fly to reach out-of-the-way spaces to hide.

The following cockroaches fly (click for photo and more info)


Brownbanded Cockroach

Brownbanded Cockroach

Supella longipalpa ( Brownbanded cockroach): Males fly. 

Flying Gender: Males

Habitat: Dry, warm habitats

Habitat Preference: Throughout the United States

Female brown-banded cockroaches have underdeveloped wings and cannot fly. Male brown-banded cockroaches have full wings that give them the ability to fly.

Brownbanded cockroaches prefer dry, warm habitats.  They can be found throughout the United States.


American Cockroach

American Cockroach

Periplanet (American Cockroach): Adults fly.

Flying Gender: Male/Female Adults

Habitat Preference: Warm, humid, moist habitats

Range: Throughout the United States

Both the adult male and female have the ability to fly but prefer to run when disturbed. Immature American cockroaches do not have wings.

The American cockroach prefers warm, humid, moist habitats and generally live outdoors.  They can be found throughout the United States.


Asian Cockroach

German Cockroach

Blattella asahinai (Asian Cockroach): Strong Fliers.

Flying Gender: Male/Female

Habitat Preference: Shaded mulched areas

Range: Southeast United States

The Asian and German cockroaches are difficult to tell apart except when it comes to flight. German cockroaches do not fly, while Asian cockroaches are strong fliers.

The Asian cockroach is prevalent in the Southeast, in states such as Florida, South Carolina, Texas, Alabama, and Georgia.  They prefer shaded mulched areas and can primarily be found outdoors.


Cuban Cockroach

Cuban Cockroach

Panchlora nivea (Cuban cockroach): Males and females fly.

Flying Gender: Male/Female

Habitat Preference: Outdoors

Range: Florida

The Cuban cockroach, also known as the banana cockroach, flies and is particularly attracted to light.  This species lives primarily out of doors and can be found in Florida.


Smokybrown Cockroach

Smokybrown cockroach

Periplaneta fuliginosa (Smokybrown cockroach): Both males and females fly.

Flying Gender: Male/Female

Habitat Preference: High moisture environments

Range: Southeastern US

This species is a common pest in the southeastern US. It needs areas of high moisture for survival.


Australian Cockroach

Australian Cockroach
Photo by 邰秉宥 https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Cockroachcloseup.jpg

Periplaneta australasiae (Australian cockroach): Adults fly.

Flying Gender: Male/Female adults

Habitat Preference: Outdoors

Range: Florida/Southeastern US coastal regions

Immature Australian cockroaches do not have wings. Adults of the species have fully developed wings and typically use them for gliding flight.

The Australian cockroach lives primarily outdoors in Florida and the coastal regions of the southeastern US.


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