Distribution of Blattella asahinai (Dictyoptera: Blattellidae in Southern Alabama and Georgia

Abstract

The Asian cockroach, Blattella asahinai Mizukubo (Dictyoptera: Blattellidae), was discovered in large numbers in southeastern Alabama in 2003. We surveyed southern Alabama and Georgia to determine the distribution of this species. In total, 67 of the 159 counties in Georgia and 33 counties of the 67 counties in Alabama were sampled. We found that B. asahinai was established in seven counties in Georgia and eight counties in Alabama. The area that B. asahinai has colonized in Alabama is double that of Georgia. The distribution of B. asahinai closely follows major highways and interstates, and it has likely expanded its range by using human transportation. Cold temperatures and suitable habitats are probably the only factors limiting the range of B. asahinai. © 2008 Entomological Society of America.