OVIPOSITION BEHAVIOR AND SITE PREFERENCE OF THE BROWNBANDED COCKROACH, SUPELLA LONGIPALPA (F.) (DICTYOPTERA: BLATTELLIDAE)

Abstract

Oviposition behavior and site preference for oothecal deposition by Supella longipalpa (F.) females were investigated. The behavioral sequence and oviposition site preference were determined by type of substrate, substrate location and presence of other oothecae. Of 192 oothecae deposited in an oviposition site preference experiment, 74.5% were on corrugated cardboard, 24.5% were buried in sand and 1.0% were deposited on Plexiglas®. In an insectary where a free-living infestation of S. longipalpa was established, 72.4% of the oothecae found were in clusters of two or more with 92.5% of all the oothecae found on the upper third of the walls. These findings may have applicability in the control of S. longipalpa. Traps with corrugated interiors placed in high, dark locations may provide an effective means to identify and monitor S. longipalpa populations and provide a cluster focus for oothecal accumulation for either destruction or improved parasitism by naturally occurring parasitoids.