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The American cockroach (
Periplaneta americana)
Cockroaches (or simply "roaches") are insects of the order, Blattaria. Current evidence strongly suggests that termites have evolved directly from true cockroaches, with many authors now considering termites to be a family of cockroaches.[1] There are about 4,000 species of cockroaches, of which 30 species are associated with human habitations and four species are well-known as pests: [1]
- American cockroach (Periplaneta americana): about 30 mm (1.2 in) long;
- German cockroach (Blattella germanica): about 15 mm (0.59 in) long;
- Asian cockroach (Blattella asahinai): about 15 mm (0.59 in) long; and
- Oriental cockroach (Blatta orientalis), about 25 mm (0.98 in).
Tropical cockroaches are often much bigger, with extinct cockroach relatives such as the Carboniferous Archimylacris and the Permian Apthoroblattina being several times larger than these. A cockroach can live several weeks with its head cut off.[1]
2. Description: Cockroaches have a broad, flattened body and a relatively small head. They are generalized insects, with few special adaptations, and may be the most primitive living neopteran insects in the world. Cockroaches have large compound eyes, two ocelli, and two long, flexible, antennae. The mouthparts are on the underside of the head and include generalized chewing mandibles. The cockroach's abdomen has 10 segments and several cerci.[1] Its first pair of wings are tough and protective, lying as a shield on top of the membranous hind wings. All four wings have branching longitudinal veins, and multiple cross-veins. The cockroach's legs are sturdy, with large coxae and five claws each.
3. Behavior: Cockroaches live in a wide range of environments around the world. Pest species adapt readily to a variety of environments, but prefer the warm conditions found within buildings. Many tropical species, however, do not fare well in the average household, preferring even warmer environments. The spines on the legs help in locomotion on difficult terrain and have been used as inspiration for robotic legs.[1] Cockroaches leave chemical trails in their feces as well as emit airborne pheromones for swarming and mating. Other cockroaches will follow these trails to discover sources of food and water, and also where other cockroaches are hiding. Cockroaches are mainly nocturnal and will run away, when exposed to light. A peculiar exception is the Asian cockroach, which is attracted to light. more... at Wikipedia
