The American cockroach (Periplaneta americana) is one of the largest species of cockroaches, measuring about 1.5 to 2 inches in length. It is reddish-brown with a yellowish figure on the back of its head. This insect is commonly found in warm, humid environments, often in basements, kitchens, and sewers. American cockroaches are omnivorous scavengers, feeding on a variety of organic materials, including food waste and decaying matter. They are known for their rapid reproduction, with a female capable of producing hundreds of offspring in her lifetime. While they are not harmful, they can carry allergens and pathogens.