A large cockroach species not previously seen in Finland was found in Oulu at the beginning of December, according to the University of Oulu's Ecology and Genetics Research Unit.
The insect, measuring more than three centimetres long, was sent to the unit's senior curator, Marko Mutanen, who confirmed that the specimen was a smokybrown cockroach (Periplaneta fuliginosa).
The cockroach most likely arrived from abroad, according to the expert.
"The smokybrown cockroach is a conspicuous creature and is easily found. There's no need to worry about a single individual, but if you find another, it is reason to suspect that the smokybrown cockroach has successfully reproduced," he said.
"The smokybrown cockroach does not seem to be a harmful invasive species, as it does not threaten native species, but it can be classified as a pest species," Mutanen said in a university press release.
Smokybrown cockroaches are related to the brown-banded cockroach, and the species has become a nuisance in countries such as Japan, Australia, southern parts of North America as well as South America, the release noted.
Like their brown-banded brethren, smokybrown roaches survive on organic waste, including people's food. The university noted that cockroaches "contribute to unhygienic conditions, spread diseases, and cause allergic reactions and asthma".
However, the species is not thought to pose a threat to buildings, according to Mutanen.
Users with an Yle ID can leave comments on our news stories. You can create your Yle ID via this link. Our guidelines on commenting and moderation are explained here.