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German Cockroach Life Cycle

German cockroaches are the most common cockroach species found in households. German cockroaches undergo three distinct life phases: egg, nymph and adult. Their entire life cycle spans approximately 100 days, although this is dependent on factors such as temperature, diet and injuries.

German cockroaches breed continuously. In a lifetime, a female cockroach is capable of producing up to one million eggs. Populations grow quickly in optimal conditions. A typical thriving population is comprised of 75 per cent nymphs and 25 per cent adult roaches.

Unlike other cockroach species, the female German cockroach carries the oothecae attached to her abdomen until they hatch. Nymphs break free from their egg cases through concerted effort and remain close together after hatching. They undergo six or seven nymphal stages, known as instars, before emerging as winged adults capable of reproduction.

Adult German cockroaches are nocturnal insects that hide during the day and scavenge at night. Despite their fully developed wings, German cockroaches very rarely fly. 

German Cockroaches

German Cockroach Nymphs

Stages of a German Cockroach