Tawny Cockroaches at Port Eynon

Within Wales this native species is restricted to the Gower Peninsula, where on summer and autumn nights, adults can be found in good numbers feeding on flowers such as Ragwort and Hogweed. On new year's day we discovered many Tawny Cockroach (Ectobius pallidus) nymphs near Port Eynon Point, hidden amongst the grassy tufts overhanging the soft cliff just above the splash zone. These were found by 'ruffing up' the grassy tufts over a tray, gaining a few curious looks from passers by in the process; it seemed everyone was out taking the rare opportunity to enjoy a sunny day!

Distribution of Tawny Cockroach shown on NBN