German cockroaches have which thorax markings?

• A. Short wings
• B. Two bands across their thorax
• C. Two dark longitudinal stripes on thorax
• D. Light markings on their thorax

Answer: (C)

Two dark longitudinal stripes on the thorax is the identifying feature here. German cockroaches have two dark, parallel stripes that run lengthwise along the pronotum—the shield-like plate behind the head as part of the thorax. That pattern is a classic field mark used to tell them apart from other common cockroaches, which show different markings (for example, the American roach has a light figure‑8 on the pronotum, while the brown-banded roach shows light bands across the wings). The stripes are lengthwise, not across the thorax, and the markings are dark on a lighter background, which is why this option is the best description.