The American cockroach is also known as the water bug,  flying water bug, and in some areas of the southern United States, the palmetto bug. It is the largest of the common species, growing to 1 1/2 inches or more in length. It is reddish brown with a pale brown or yellow border on the upper surface of the pronotum. Both sexes have well-developed wings, but those of the males extend beyond the abdomen.