According to a news release from Rutgers, a winter-proof cockroach has invaded the Big Apple. The species Periplaneta japonica is well documented in Asia but was never confirmed in the U.S. until Rutgers insect biologists Jessica Ware and Dominic Evangelista confirmed its presence in Manhattan.

“About 20 years ago colleagues of ours in Japan reared nymphs of this species and measured their tolerance to being able to survive in snow,” noted Ware in a statement. “As the species has invaded Korea and China, there has been some confirmation that it does very well in cold climates, so it is very conceivable that it could live outdoors during winter in New York. That is in addition to its being well suited to live indoors alongside the species that already are here.”

An exterminator working on the High Line, an elevated walkway and park on Manhattan’s West Side, first detected the winter-proof cockroach. He mailed the bodies to the University of Florida for examination. Eventually, Ware was contacted because she had previous research experience with cockroaches. Ware had Evangelista conduct barcoding, an examination of the species’ genetic characteristics. This and other techniques confirmed the discovery of Periplaneta japonica in the U.S.

The insect biologists believe that one or more of the ornamental plants that beautify the High Line came to the U.S. in soil that contained the cold-loving cockroaches.

According to the biologists, New Yorkers shouldn’t become too concerned about the consequences of this insect invasion. “Because this species is very similar to cockroach species that already exist in the urban environment,” posited Evangelista, “they likely will compete with each other for space and for food.” More competition for space and food will result in less time and energy for reproduction.

There also is little chance that the various species of cockroaches could interbreed and form a hybrid super-roach because their genitalia don’t match.

According to Ware, the best way to keep cockroaches away from your home is to clean frequently.

The findings are described in greater detail in the Journal of Economic Entomology.