Most Australian cockroaches are found in native habitats and are not pests of crops. The native Australian black cockroach (Calolampra spp.) has been reported as a pest of seedlings in the Central Highlands in Queensland.
Other native cockroaches that have been recorded as minor pests include Cosmozosteria sp. and Platyzosteria sp.
Wingless cockroach populations reach highest densities under no tillage with stubble retained. Wingless cockroaches are nocturnal, feeding at night and sheltering by day under trash. They can attack the seedlings of all field crops. In small seedlings they feed on cotyledons and stems, often severing the stem. In larger seedlings they feed on the leaves and growing points.
Adults of Calolampra elegans are 25-35mm long and shiny brown with yellow stripes and margins. Calolampra solida males are fully winged, females are wingless.
Nymphs are initially greyish-brown or tan, developing yellow markings when about half adult size.
Use germinating seed baits pre-plant to assess soil pest presence. Take action if 1 or more cockroaches are found per 2 baits. Bait with insecticide-treated cracked grain baits. If the field has a history of cockroach damage, cultivation and/or destruction of stubble may help reduce populations.
No effective natural enemies have been identified.