[2] Mostly distributed in warmer climates worldwide, this family is based on the American genus Blaberus, but much of the diversity is also found in Africa and Asia.

[3][4] The ootheca is seen very briefly before being retracted into the body, where soon after the young nymphs hatch inside, the female gives live birth.

The cerci are smaller compared to other families, and most of the time are covered by wings.

[5] They're mostly found in caves, rotting logs or buried under leaf litter.

: Brunner von Wattenwyl, 1865; distribution: Africa, SE Asia, Australia[8][9] Distribution: SE Asia & S. America Distribution: Central & S. America Among the genera of uncertain subfamily, Eustegasta, Isoniscus and Poeciloderrhis[10] have been removed from subfamily Perisphaerinae.