Buy this dead insect for local school collection projects in the following states though they probably occur also in unlisted neighboring states to some extent. Dried specimens of this species are native to or established in the following areas of the United States.  

Arizona, California, Delaware, Indiana, Iowa, Missouri, New York, Pennsylvania,Texas

This species occurs in many cities worldwide, and probably ranges well beyond the states above. It is a pest of poultry farms. It is also captive bred probably in all US States for use in reptile feeder bins as an cleaner of dead insects. Strangely, and probably with little scientific basis it is also touted as a cure for cancer.