Turkestan Cockroach Periplaneta lateralis Walker, 1868 — A New Alien Species in Russia

The Turkestan cockroach Periplaneta lateralis belongs to the family Blattidae and exhibits synanthropic behavior. This insect has been observed in Russian cities since the end of the 20th century. In this study, we analyze the available information on the geographical distribution of the Turkestan cockroach in Russia and for the first time describe the records of this insect outside buildings and technical communications in Russia. Observations of females with oothecae and nymphs at various developmental stages suggest the existence of self-sustaining populations in the southern regions of Russia. Taking into account a wide geographic expansion of the species and potential threats to human health posed by pathogens that it may carry, Turkestan cockroach may become invasive in Russia.