It can be found in Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, Texas, and other moist gulf coastal states, and along the southern Mississippi River. It prefers warmer climates and is not cold tolerant, however, it may be able to survive indoors in colder climates. It does well in moist conditions and it seems to be most commonly concentrated in moist concealed areas. It often lives around the perimeter of buildings, and it is common species outdoors in southern US states. It can feed off a wide array of organic (including decaying) matter like most cockroaches, it is a scavenger. It tends to lose more moisture than its relatives and requires water every 2-3 days. It may come indoors to look for food, and even to live, however, in warm weather it may move outdoors and enter buildings looking for food.