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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