What is a distinctive feature of female oriental cockroaches?

Female oriental cockroaches are characterized by having short wings that do not extend beyond their bodies. This anatomical feature is part of what distinguishes them from males, which have longer wings that can quite noticeably cover their bodies. The short wings of the females are not functional for flight, which is typical of some cockroach species where females are less capable of flying. Understanding this distinctive feature can be important for pest control professionals as it aids in proper identification of the species, which is crucial for effective pest management strategies. The presence of short wings indicates their adaptation to a lifestyle more focused on crawling, which makes them more common in indoor environments.