First record of Blattella vaga (Blattodea: Ectobiidae) from southern Alabama

Authors

  • Sunghun Alan Jeon Auburn University, Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, Auburn, Alabama 36849-5413, USA;
  • Rammohan R Balusu Auburn University, Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, Auburn, Alabama 36849-5413, USA;
  • Lee Zhang Auburn University, Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, Auburn, Alabama 36849-5413, USA
  • Henry Y Fadamiro Auburn University, Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, Auburn, Alabama 36849-5413, USA;
  • Arthur G. Appel Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology Auburn University

Keywords:

Distribution, cuticular hydrocarbon profile, mitochondrial gene sequence

Abstract

Abstract

The field cockroach, Blattella vaga Hebard (Blattodea: Ectobiidae), is native to central Asia including Afghanistan, India, Iran, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. It was described first in 1935; however, from specimens collected in Arizona and California. Since then, the distribution of B. vaga has slowly increased along the southern United States and Mexican border, apparently following major interstate highways. We report the first record of B. vaga from Mobile, Alabama, and suggest that this species will spread to Florida and possibly northward into Georgia and South Carolina. The identification was confirmed using morphological, chemical, and molecular methods. We suggest that when possible, multiple independent methods should be used to confirm species identifications.

 

Resumen

La cucaracha de campo, Blattella vaga Hebard (Blattodea: Ectobiidae), proviene de Asia central, incluyendo Afganistán, India, Irán, Pakistán y Sri Lanka. Sin embargo, fue descrita por primera vez en 1935 a partir de especímenes recolectados en Arizona y California. Desde entonces, la distribución de B. vaga ha extendido lentamente a lo largo del sur de los Estados Unidos y México, aparentemente siguiendo las principales carreteras interestatales. Reportamos el primer registro de B. vaga en la ciudad de Mobile, Alabama y sugerimos que esta especie se extenderá a la Florida y posiblemente hacia el norte a Georgia y Carolina del Sur. La identificación se confirmó utilizando métodos morfológicos, químicos y moleculares. Sugerimos que, cuando sea posible, se utilicen múltiples métodos independientes para confirmar las identificaciones de especies.

 

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Author Biography

Arthur G. Appel, Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology Auburn University

Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology

Professor of Entomology

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Published

2018-04-24

Issue

Vol. 101, No. 1 (March 2018)

Section

Research Papers

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