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#60: Cockroaches

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 also in temperate and even Arctic regions!

-Some species exhibit parental care, which is only found in 1% in all insect species! Some cockroaches form family groups where parents defend young and feed them regurgitated food, sometimes for years until they reach adulthood!

And now the weirdest fun fact: One species, the pacific beetle cockroach, is VIVIPAROUS (giving birth to live young). Females secrete extremely nutritious “milk” to feed the offspring developing inside them. Believe it or not, this cockroach milk is considered by some to be the next superfood. However, it is extremely labor intensive to obtain and millions of roaches would have to be killed to get enough for commercial use.

What do you think, would you ever try cockroach milk?

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