Amber forest cockroaches, often mistaken for pests, are harmless insects that can be found in homes. Unlike German cockroaches, they don’t spread harmful bacteria and primarily feed on decaying plant matter outdoors. These neozoa have migrated to Northern Europe due to climate change. The article encourages capturing and releasing them rather than exterminating. Additionally, a nationwide photo competition invites people to document these newcomers, contributing to the understanding of their spread in Germany.
If you’ve ever encountered an amber forest cockroach in your home, you might feel an immediate urge to squash it or summon pest control. These small, agile, brown insects, which can fly, may resemble cockroaches, but they are not as threatening as they seem.
As highlighted by MDR Wissen, the best course of action is to gently capture these tiny visitors and release them outside. This approach is beneficial for the cockroaches since, according to biologist Prof. Dr. Martin Husemann, ‘[…] if they don’t find food, they quickly become weakened and perish.’
In fact, there’s little for them to eat indoors. Prof. Husemann explains that ‘Amber forest cockroaches (Ectobius vittiventris) primarily feed on decaying plant matter outside and are not recognized as pests.’
Understanding Neozoa: The Arrival of New Species
Unlike their notorious relatives, the German cockroaches (Blattella germanica), amber forest cockroaches do not spread harmful bacteria like salmonella through our food. These cockroaches, including their cousins the tangerine cockroaches (Planuncus tingitanus), are classified as neozoa. Originally from Southern Europe, they have migrated north of the Alps since the early 2000s due to climate changes and are generally harmless. They thrive in gardens, eat plants, and lay their eggs beneath tree bark.
Professor Dr. Husemann also notes that they do not suck plant sap, unlike some introduced species such as the marmorated stink bug and the American oak lace bug, so they pose no threat to vegetable gardens or fruit trees. Amber forest cockroaches may accidentally enter homes, often drawn in by evening lights.
Distinguishing Forest Cockroaches from House Cockroaches
If you need to determine whether you’re dealing with a harmful pest or a harmless newcomer, there are two key features to help you tell them apart. The German cockroach has two prominent black stripes on its pronotum, which are absent in amber forest cockroaches. Additionally, the reproductive organs of German cockroaches are more visible at the rear of the abdomen, while the wings of amber forest cockroaches extend beyond their abdomen.
While examining closely, don’t forget to capture the moment! Grab your camera or smartphone, and you might even have a chance to win a prize.
Participate in the Nationwide Amateur Photo Competition: ‘Aliens Among Us?’
If you spot an amber forest cockroach in your kitchen, see a Nosferatu spider on your ceiling, or notice a family of raccoons crossing the street, don’t hesitate to take a photo. The nationwide competition ‘Aliens among us?’ encourages participants to document neozoa across Germany until June 30, 2025. The LWL Museum of Natural History, in collaboration with several organizations, invites you to submit your photos using the ObsIdentify app.
The participant who photographs the most newcomers will win a free course of their choice at the Educational and Research Center Heiliges Meer at the LWL Museum of Natural History, including meals for themselves and a guest. By participating, you contribute significantly to tracking the spread of these newly arrived species in Germany, far more effectively than using a rolled-up newspaper or any type of pesticide.