Cockroaches Essay

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Cockroaches
Cockroaches are an ancient group of animals, dating back about 320 million years (290 million years before man evolved). They have disobeyed evaluation and remained largely unchanged for more than 300 million years.
The name "cockroach" comes from the Spanish word for cockroach, cucaracha, transformed by English etymology into "cock" and "roach".
The world's heaviest cockroach is the Australian giant burrowing cockroach which can reach 3.5 inches in length and weigh more than 1.1 oz.

There are more than 4,500 species of cockroaches. Among them about 30 are associated with human habitats and about 5 species are well known as pests.
Cockroaches have a flattened and broadly oval body structure and a large shield like pronotum. Features …show more content…

Chewing mouthparts.
Gradual metamorphosis. Eggs → Nymphs → Adults. Young cockroaches are similar to adults but are pale in color and do not have wings. Adults have two pairs of wings and may or may not fly, depending on the species.
Eggs are laid encased in purse like leathery egg cases called Ootheca. Females carry the Ootheca for a time frame that varies among different species.

German Cockroaches
Most common, indoor cockroach. Found mainly in houses, apartments, hotels, restaurants and eateries.
It is very closely related to the Asian cockroach, however, the Asian cockroach is attracted to light and can fly rather like a moth, while the German cockroach cannot.
Omnivorous scavengers. Attracted to meats, starches, sugars, and fatty foods. May also eat household items such as soap, glue, and toothpaste. Identification:
About 1/2 to 5/8 inches long.
Two dark longitudinal stripes on its pronotum.
Have wings but can barely fly although it may glide when disturbed.
Lifecycle
German cockroach reproduces faster than any other residential cockroach and is the most difficult cockroach to control.
Prefers moist environment with a relatively high degree of

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