List Of Synanthropic Cockroaches (Blattodea) In Spain And Their Current Distribution

The order Blattodea includes over 4,600 species, with about 1% considered synanthropic, adapted to thrive in human environments and recognized as pests affecting human health. For centuries, the movement of cockroaches around the world has been constant, also impacting the Iberian Peninsula. Thus, Blatta orientalis Linnaeus, 1758 represents the oldest documented pest invasion in Spain, likely introduced during the Roman Empire. A total of twelve synanthropic cockroach species were found in Spain. A list of synanthropic cockroach pest species and their century of introduction is presented. The distribution of nine of these species is illustrated on maps. Currently, the species with the largest distribution and oldest presence in Spain are (in order of introduction): Blatta orientalis, Periplaneta americana (Linnaeus, 1758), and Blatella germanica (Linnaeus, 1767).