824 A. E. Verrill— The Bermuda Islands. 
early settlers is uncertain. It is quite likely, however, that like the 
wood-rats they may have been introduced from the West Indies by 
earlier visitors. 
Cockroaches are much less numerous here than might be expected 
in so warm a climate. They are undoubtedly kept in check to a 
great extent by the common ichneumon parasite (Lvania appendi- 
gaster, p. 754, fig. 109), which destroys the eggs in the egg-capsules. 
The Agua Toad also feeds largely on cockroaches, as shown by its 
stomach contents. They are also destroyed by the larger spiders 
and centipedes. 
American Cockroach. (Periplaneta Americana (L.) Burm.; Sauss.) 
Figures 198;.199. Puate XCIX; Ficure 19, a. 
Very common and perhaps indigenous. It is one of the most 
abundant species here. Supposed to be of American origin, but 
now found in nearly all warm countries, especially on the sea-coasts. 
It sometimes lives among and under the decaying debris, just above 
high-tide, but is mostly found in houses and stores and on ships. 
Figure 199.—American Cockroach; a large male; about nat. size. Length 
43™m™,_ Phot. by A. H. V. from a Bermuda specimen. 
It is yellowish or rusty brown, but the thorax (pronotum) is 
usually marked with a sub-marginal pale yellowish band, and often 
with a triangular median spot of the same, which may be divided. 
The elytra of the male reach decidedly beyond the end of the body ; 
in the female they are much shorter. The adult male is decidedly 
