There are forty-seven species in the genus Periplaneta, but the most famous is the American cockroach, Periplaneta americana. Oddly enough, American cockroaches are thought to originate in Africa. However, they've been in the Americas since the 1600's.Adult American cockroaches have wings that extend approximately the length of their body or longer. Male American cockroaches have slightly longer wings than females. A male American cockroach's wings may extend 4 to 8 mm beyond the length of their body. American cockroaches can fly, but they aren't strong fliers. Male oriental cockroaches have wings that only extend about ¾ the length of their bodies. Female oriental cockroaches have wings that are even shorter - rudimentary wings that are only short nubs. Neither male nor female oriental cockroaches can fly.Like American cockroaches, oriental cockroaches are common outdoors. However, oriental cockroaches are common pests in basements, floor drains, and other damp areas in the house.

Cockroach of genus-periplaneta Americana has 34-53 mm long with wings that extends beyond the abdomen of malesCockroach of genus-Blatta has small wings in males but vestigial in females