The cockroach is an insect from the order Blattaria, and it’s unfortunate to say that this creature is despised all around the world, as it is a source of disgust for most humans due to its appearance and movement. While this stereotype about the cockroach is widespread, it should be known that these creatures have extraordinary abilities to adapt to any environment. Moreover, they have a significant impact on human life and on planet Earth.
Let’s learn more about it from teketrek.
Information about the cockroach:
Cockroaches are a group of winged insects that belong to the cockroach family and the Orthoptera order. Cockroach scientific name is Blattaria. The cockroach is an invertebrate, with an oval shape and an unpleasant smell. It has a flexible, flattened body that is brownish-black, and it has an amazing ability to squeeze itself into narrow cracks. It can enter any opening even if it is only 2mm in size.
The cockroach has 6 legs and transparent brown wings. In addition to antennae and two large eyes, the cockroach also has lips.
The length of cockroaches can reach more than 50 mm. The size of cockroaches can be approximately 2 inches. They crawl quickly and may climb rough surfaces, and some species can fly short distances.
Cockroaches are social creatures that like teamwork, and it is said that loneliness can be a cause of death for a cockroach.
There are about 4600 species of cockroach, of which only 30 species feed on human food.
The cockroach is classified among the gnawing insects, where it uses its front jaws, called “mandibles,” to tear, cut, and chew food.
The sound of the cockroach is called chirping or stridulation. It is a creature free of bacteria and microbes.
Diet of the cockroach:
Cockroaches are nocturnal insects that feed on a wide range of organic materials. They feed on decomposing matter such as rotten garbage and food scraps, as well as sewer materials.
Cockroaches like moist and warm places where they make their homes.
Habitat of the cockroach:
The cockroach is spread all over the world, thanks to its properties that enable it to adapt to any environment.
Cockroaches are capable of living and adapting in all regions and in various types of climates without exception, starting from rainforests to dry deserts, and from polar regions to warm houses.Certainly!
Reproduction of Cockroaches:
Cockroaches reproduce rapidly and efficiently, with their own unique reproductive system. Most cockroaches lay eggs, but their offspring grow in egg cases outside the mother’s body. The female cockroach carries her eggs in a capsule-like sac connected to her abdomen, containing between 6 to 40 eggs.
The reproductive process begins when male and female cockroaches encounter each other. Mating typically occurs through the transfer of sperm from the male to the female.
Fascinating Facts About Cockroaches:
Cockroaches choose safe and moist locations to lay their eggs.
– Cockroaches exhibit remarkable resistance.
– Their numbers are said to surpass those of humans and other mammals by multiples.
– Unlike other animals, a cockroach’s brain is attached to its body rather than its head. A decapitated cockroach can survive for about two weeks because it lacks an nose and lungs for respiration. Oxygen reaches its cells through tracheae connected to the outer exoskeleton, but it eventually dies due to malnutrition.
– Cockroaches can hold their breath for up to 45 minutes without harm.
– They can run at speeds of up to 5 kilometers per hour and squeeze through openings as small as 15 millimeters.
– Cockroaches can survive without food for up to two months if necessary. They lack a heart and do not experience fatigue. Additionally, they can endure thirst for about two weeks.
– Despite their small size, cockroaches are vulnerable to predation by birds, spiders, reptiles, and even humans in some regions.
– Interestingly, while humans consistently find cockroaches repulsive, these insects also experience aversion. When a cockroach comes into contact with a person, it scurries away to hide and clean itself.
Benefits and Harms of Cockroaches:
– Cockroaches can transmit diseases such as salmonella. However, their saliva and feces have unique benefits, including potential antibiotic properties.
– Some cultures, like the Chinese, use cockroaches as a remedy for various conditions, including AIDS, baldness, blood clots, stomach and intestinal inflammation, and heart diseases. Research has also shown that cockroaches exhibit resistance to cancer.
– Cockroaches are used in burn ointments and liver disease tablets.
– They play a vital role in the life cycle of plants by transferring pollen while foraging on flowers and different plant surfaces. This aids in plant reproduction and increased production.
– Cockroaches provide food for other animals essential to human survival, such as birds and small mammals.
Types of Cockroaches:
1. German Cockroach: Small and pale yellow-brown, it is one of the most widespread cockroach species.
2. American Cockroach: Large and brown, with long wings for flying. It lives for about two years.
3. Oriental Cockroach: Dark-colored and approximately 2.5 cm long, it is commonly found in dark places.
4. Asian Cockroach:About 1.3 cm long, it inhabits damp, dark, and garbage-filled areas.
5. Australian Cockroach: Brown in color, 23-35 mm long, it is found outdoors around homes.
6. Pennsylvania Wood Cockroach: Yellow-brown, 12-30 mm long, it lives in damp areas, including wooden debris, and occasionally inside homes.
Frequently asked questions about cockroaches
- Is cockroach harmful?
Cockroaches are considered highly dangerous insects in the places they inhabit. They carry a range of serious diseases, including food poisoning, salmonella, dysentery, diphtheria, gastroenteritis, and typhoid.
- Where do cockroaches come from in the house?
Cockroaches can come from tables and sinks where some uncovered food or its remnants are left and not cleaned up. Pet food and water left in open containers or in pets’ dishes for later consumption can also attract cockroaches.
- What are the most active times for cockroaches?
Cockroaches are active at night because they are nocturnal insects that derive their energy from the sun. They feed and reproduce without disturbance. Cockroaches can navigate in the dark thanks to their light-sensitive eye cells and light storage, which improves their vision. This is in conjunction with their antennae, which act as a complementary form of vision.
- How long do cockroaches live?
The lifespan of cockroaches can reach up to 1 year. However, this lifespan varies depending on the species and environmental conditions. For example, American cockroaches can live for more than 1000 days (about 3 years), while German cockroaches have a shorter lifespan of approximately 210.
- What to do if you see a cockroach?
A pest control technician should be contacted.
- Is the cockroach clean?
The cockroach is clean on itself.
In summary, cockroaches serve as tangible examples of adaptability and resilience in our ever-changing world. Despite being considered bothersome and repulsive by some, they possess unique abilities worthy of respect. Their ability to adapt to various conditions and withstand harsh environments can inspire us to develop resilience and face challenges in our lives .
Certainly!
