Question

Write the zoological name of cockroach.

Answer 1

Hint: Zoological names refer to the universal scientific term given to all living organisms. It is the same in any part of the world.

Complete answer:
1. We use a binomial system of nomenclature devised by Carl Linnaeus in 1753 in his book ‘Species Plantarum’.
2. The first word signifies the ‘Generic name' or the genus name and the second word signifies the ‘Specific epithet’ or the species name.
3. The application of binomial nomenclature is regulated by the ‘International Code of Zoological Nomenclature’ (ICZN) for animals and by ‘International Code of Nomenclature for Algae, Fungi and Plants” (ICNafp) for plants, fungi, and algae.
4. Accordingly, the zoological name of cockroach (most common) is “Periplaneta americana”. Here, ‘Periplaneta ’is the genus name and ‘Americana’ is the species name.
5. The American cockroach (Periplaneta americana) is the largest species of common cockroach, and often considered a pest.
6. It is also known as the ship cockroach, kakerlac, and Bombay canary.

Additional Information: There are other varieties of cockroach also, namely

Common name	Genus Name	Species name
American cockroach	Periplaneta	Americana
Oriental cockroach	Blatta	orientalis
Asian cockroach	Blattella	Asahina
German cockroach	Blattella	germanica
Florida woods cockroach	Eurycotis	floridana

Note:
1. 'Periplaneta americana' and 'Blatta orientalis' are the two most common species found in India.
2. Despite their name, American cockroaches are native to Africa and the Middle East. They are believed to have been introduced to the Americas only from the 17th century AD onwards.
3. P. americana is also misidentified as the Palmetto bug.