Assessment of the risks of negative impact on biodiversity in Norway from import and keeping of the Turkestan cockroach (Periplaneta lateralis). Scientific Opinion of the Panel on Biodiversity of the Norwegian Scientific Committee for Food and Environment

Summary

VKM has assessed the potential risk to Norwegian biodiversity associated with the import of the Turkestan cockroach, Periplaneta lateralis, as live food for hobby animals. Populations of the cockroach are nearly always found in or near buildings, and non-native populations have never been observed in natural environments. No previous observations of P. lateralis have been reported for Norway and it is very unlikely the species will be able to establish and spread into Norwegian nature due to the low winter temperatures and short summers. Furthermore, VKM find that there is low risk associated with the potential effects on biodiversity, if it against all odds, were to establish in Norway. Therefore, VKM concludes that there is low risk associated with import and keeping of P. lateralis in relation to its potential negative effect on Norwegian biodiversity.