Lesser Cockroach (Capraiellus panzeri)

Sometimes also known as the Forest Cockroach and previously known as Ectobius sylvestris, this is a native UK and European species. Although a 'cockroach', it's not directly related to the cockroaches so many fear, belonging instead to the Ectobiidae family (formerly the Blattellidae family) of non-cosmopolitan cockroaches.

It's predominantly found on the southern coastlines of the both the UK and northern France, particularly maritime cliffs, sand dunes or extensive stabilised & vegetated shingle beaches. However, it will also venture inland to nearby dry heathland or chalk grassland.

Although an insect, C. panzeri lifecycle doesn't involve the usual full metamorphosis, Instead, it goes from egg - 5 or 6 nymph instars - adult, meaning it doesn't undergo a pupa/cocoon stage.

The Lesser Cockroach has a dark brown/black coloured pronotum with bright, transparent edges. The brownish forewings display some small dark spots in the middle of the wing. Males with fully developed forewings covering the whole abdomen are able to fly, while the females have much shorter wings which prevent them from flying.

Females at 9-14mm are slightly larger than the males at 7-11mm.

Adults can be found from between July and October.