Cockroach
Main Characteristics of Cockroaches and Termites
- According to current scientific understanding, cockroaches and termites are both classified under the group Dictyoptera.
- There are 4,600 species of cockroaches, which are also known as roaches. In addition, there are around 3,000 species of termites.
- Cockroaches and termites favor warm, moist environments.
- In the United States, there are around 70 different species of cockroaches. The most common species are the German cockroach, the Oriental cockroach, the American cockroach, and the wood cockroach.
- Cockroaches have a head, two long antennae, mouthparts, a flat body, six legs, and two pairs of wings (a total of four).
- Cockroaches are omnivores. Most cockroaches are not pests and actually thrive in the wild. In their natural habitat, they feed on leaves, decaying wood, plants, algae, and lichens.
- Only the German cockroach, the Oriental cockroach, the American cockroach, and the brown-banded cockroach are considered pests. They search for food and animal feed in bakeries, restaurants, large kitchens, and greenhouses. While they do not transmit diseases, they can spread germs such as salmonella, typhoid, and hepatitis.
- The largest cockroach is Megaloblatta longipennis from South America. It measures 3.8 inches (9.7 cm) in length and 1.75 inches (4.5 cm) in width. Its wingspan can reach up to 8 inches (20 cm).
- The smallest cockroach is Attaphila fungicola, found in North America and Mexico. It measures less than 0.1 inches (3 mm) in size. This tiny creature resides in the nests of leafcutter ants.
- Cockroaches do form large groups, but they lack a social, organized way of living.
- In contrast, termites exist in large social groups and create colonies. They have a queen, a king, workers, and soldiers.
- Termite queens can live for up to 50 years.
- The oldest inhabited termite mound is 34,000 years old. It is located in South Africa, along the banks of the Buffels River. In this area, approximately 20% of the landscape is occupied by termite mounds.
- The tallest termite mound is located in Australia. It was constructed by the so-called cathedral termites and reaches a height of 26 feet (8 meters). This mound is also the largest structure ever built by an animal on this planet.
