Researchers find Turkestan cockroaches established near Busan port
In short
Researchers collected adult Turkestan cockroaches, nymphs and egg cases near Busan's Gamman port, evidence that the species has established itself in South Korea, Yonhap reported on October 10. Specimens were also found in a park outside the port, but the extent of their spread remains unknown.
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Researchers have found evidence that the Turkestan cockroach, Periplaneta lateralis, has established itself near Gamman port in Busan, Yonhap reported on October 10. A team from Pusan National University's institute for biological systems research and Gyeongsang National University's department of plant medicine collected adults, nymphs and egg cases during five field surveys from last November to this June. The collection covered the species' life cycle and was described as evidence of establishment. [ 1 ]
The species, also known as the red runner, is native to the Middle East and Central Asia. It is dark reddish in colour and about 3 centimetres long. Yonhap reported that Busan's relatively high average winter temperatures of 3.6–5.8 degrees Celsius in the 1991–2020 climate normals favour establishment of non-native species. Researchers said the small temperature variations around Gamman port could offer refuge from cold spells. [ 1 ]
The cockroach can reach adulthood in about 220 days, and a female can produce about 350 nymphs. Its rapid growth and reproductive capacity mean it is often imported as food for reptiles and arthropods, the report said. Specimens have already been found in a park outside the port, leaving the extent of spread unknown. Native cockroaches were also observed near drains and food waste bins where the Turkestan species was found. [ 1 ]
Researchers said the discovery near the port suggested shipping as a possible entry route and that the species might already be circulating domestically. They linked this possibility to difficulties in inspecting ships and cargo. The species is classified as an urban pest and can compete with native species, potentially disrupting ecosystems. Researchers warned that excessive outdoor insecticide use could harm nearby ecosystems and recommended surveys, monitoring, food-source removal and bait-based control as part of integrated pest management. [ 1 ]
Why it matters
The species can compete with native cockroaches and disrupt ecosystems, the reports said. Researchers recommended integrated pest management, warning that excessive outdoor insecticide use could harm surrounding ecosystems.
Key facts
- Researchers from Pusan National University and Gyeongsang National University collected the species near Gamman port. [ 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 ]
- Five field surveys from last November to this June collected adults, nymphs and egg cases. [ 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 ]
- The cockroach is native to the Middle East and Central Asia and is about 3 centimetres long. [ 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 ]
- Specimens were found in a park outside the port, but the extent of spread is unknown. [ 1 , 2 , 4 , 5 ]
Confirmed by several sources
Still unclear
- How far the cockroaches have spread. The reports state that their spread is unknown despite specimens found outside the port.
- Their route of entry into South Korea. Researchers suggested port transport as a possible route, rather than establishing it conclusively.
What local media are saying
Timeline, local time
- On October 10, Yonhap reported the researchers' findings near Gamman port. [ 1 ]