Litinsects #60: Cockroaches Cockroaches belong to the order BLATTODEA, which is derived from the Greek word “blatta” meaning cockroach. Did you know that the Blattodea contains cockroaches AND termites? That’s right; termites are actually considered a specialized group of cockroaches! They used to be classified in an entirely different order of insects but recent genetic studies found a closer relation to cockroaches than previously thought. -Roaches are characterized by their broad, flat bodies. They have long antennae and generalized chewing mouthparts. In contrast to many other insects, which have 3, cockroaches have only 2 ocelli (or simple eyes) -Most people consider roaches to be disgusting, disease-spreading pests. But of 4,500 species, only 30 live in human habitats and are considered pests -The common name is derived from the Spanish word for the insect, “cucaracha” -Cockroaches can be found in a wide variety of habitats around the world. Many live in the tropics but
Litinsects #59: Gynandromorphs Ok people, pretty sure I’m gonna blow your minds with this one. No, these pictures are not some freakish cut-and-paste Frankenstein experiments. These animals are absolutely real and extremely rare GYNANDROMORPHS. Common blue gynandromorph (left male, right female) © Burkhard Hinnersmann This word comes from the Greek “gyne” for female, “andro” for male, and “morph” for form... meaning that these individuals contain BOTH MALE AND FEMALE tissues! Firstly, this is not the same thing as a hermaphrodite, which is an organism that contains both types of gonads or can create both sperm and eggs. Gynandromorphs literally have some body parts that are genetically female and others that are genetically male. So I’m sure you’re asking... how?! Malaysian stick insect (left male, right female) https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Heteropteryx_dilatata_0034b_L.D.jpg Many different genetic systems exist in the animal kingdom. In humans XX codes for female and