Litinsects

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 #56: Fleas If you have pets, you may have already recognized this... It’s a flea! Fleas are wingless external parasites that feed on the blood of mammals and birds. They make up the order SIPHONAPTERA, from the Greek „siphon“ meaning “tube/pipe” and „aptera“ meaning “wingless” (I love it, another perfectly fitting name!) -Adaptations to the parasitic lifestyle include piercing/sucking mouthparts, claws to hold on to their hosts, and LATERALLY FLATTENED bodies (narrow when viewed from above), which makes it easier to move through host fur or feathers. They are also covered in tiny backwards-pointing hairs, which help anchor them to a host -Though they have no wings, fleas are able to jump a distance of 50-200x their body length, which is how they get onto a host. The jump is faster than any muscle is capable of contracting. Instead, energy is stored in an elastic pad of protein called RESILIN. The pad is compressed and held in place by a tendon and can be released to ra...