Drymaplaneta is an Australian genus of cockroaches. It belongs to family Blattidae, subfamily Polyzosteriinae and tribe Methanini.[1][2][3]
Drymaplaneta | |
---|---|
Drymaplaneta semivitta | |
Scientific classification | |
Domain: | Eukaryota |
Kingdom: | Animalia |
Phylum: | Arthropoda |
Class: | Insecta |
Order: | Blattodea |
Family: | Blattidae |
Subfamily: | Polyzosteriinae |
Genus: | Drymaplaneta |
Species | |
Drymaplaneta communis |
Drymaplaneta can be distinguished from other Methanini by the greatly reduced, lobiform tegmina, with hind wings absent, and males having maxillary palps with the third and fourth segments swollen.[3]
As for the individual species:
There are six species of Drymaplaneta, all endemic to Australia.[6] Two of these species, D. heydeniana and D. semivitta, have been introduced to New Zealand.[7]
Species of Drymaplaneta mainly occur in outdoor habitats such as under logs, loose bark, ground covers, leaf litter, decks, plant pots, and inside electrical and irrigation boxes.[4][8] They sometimes enter buildings but are considered harmless to humans.[4][8] They feed on organic matter, often that which is decaying.[4]