Which roach is the largest among the common varieties?

The American roach is recognized as the largest among the common varieties of cockroaches. It can grow up to 3 to 4 inches in length, making it notably larger than the other types listed. This species is characterized by its reddish-brown color, with a distinctive yellowish figure 8 pattern on the back of its head. Its size and wings enable it to glide over short distances, which also contributes to its visibility and presence in urban environments.

In comparison, the Oriental roach, while large, typically measures about 1.5 to 2 inches, which is smaller than the American roach. The German roach is much smaller, averaging about 1.1 to 1.6 inches, and the brown banded roach is even diminutive, falling within a size range of 0.5 to 0.7 inches. This size disparity clearly highlights why the American roach stands out as the largest among the common cockroach varieties.