American cockroach
The American cockroach, scientifically known as Periplaneta americana, is a species that is widespread in tropical regions and commonly found in households. Contrary to its name, this cockroach is not native to the United States; it is believed to have originated in northern Africa. Characterized by its slender, flat, reddish-brown body that can grow up to one and one-half inches (about four centimeters), it possesses long antennae and fully developed wings that enable it to fly. As an omnivorous insect, its diet consists of plant matter, decaying organic material, and household foods, typically foraging at night.
During reproduction, the female produces a pheromone to attract a mate, and after fertilization, she carries her eggs in a protective pouch known as an ootheca. Each pouch can contain between five and fifty eggs, and a female can produce around one hundred and fifty young throughout her life. The young cockroaches are initially pale white and gradually develop their coloration as they molt. The American cockroach has a lifespan of at least six months, with some individuals living up to three years in controlled environments. Although often regarded as pests due to their potential to contaminate food and spread germs, they play a significant ecological role in their environments.
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American cockroach
Despite its name, the American cockroach is not native to the United States. Scientists believe it originated somewhere in northern Africa. The American cockroach is a common household pest throughout many of the tropical countries of the world.
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Uniramia
Class: Insecta
Order: Blattodea
Family: Blattidae
Genus: Periplaneta
Species: Americana
Slender, flat, and reddish brown, the American cockroach grows to about one and one-half inches (four centimeters) long. Its flat body helps it slip under rocks, crevices, and leaves in its natural environment and floorboards and cabinets in unexpecting individuals's homes. Like other cockroaches, the American cockroach has a pair of long, thin antennae extending from its head and a pair of thin, crinkly wings resting on its back. These wings are fully developed and allow the insect to fly. Some cockroaches have wings that are not developed enough to be used in flight.
Despite its name, the American cockroach is not native to the United States. It is, however, commonly found in many countries. It is particularly common around seaport towns, on ships, and in tropical climates.
Like other cockroaches, the American cockroach is an omnivoreanimal that feeds on meat and plants. Generally, a cockroach's diet consists of plant matter, but dead animals, animal droppings, household foods, and wallpaper are also commonly consumed. As a nocturnal, or night-active, animal, the American cockroach spends its nights searching for food.
Other insects, spiders, reptiles, and amphibians prey on the American cockroach. Humans also threaten the cockroach. Most humans do not like cockroaches because they contaminate, or spread germs among, household foods.
Like many insects, the American cockroach's body is divided into three segmentsthe head, thorax, or middle, and abdomen, or end part. During the mating cycle, the female American cockroach carries her eggs in a pouch along her abdomen.
The mating process of the American cockroach begins with the female producing and releasing a chemical called a pheromone that helps her attract a mate. Once the male notices the female, the two insects begin their courtship by touching each other's antennae. Eventually, the male American cockroach fertilizes the female's egg pouch. This egg pouch holds her eggs in a well-organized bundle. The bundle is neatly arranged in two rows within the pouch.
After the male fertilizes the eggs, the female releases them onto the ground, where a tough capsule, or ootheca, forms around them. This capsule protects the eggs during the thirty-to-sixty-day development period. There are usually between five and fifty eggs in each ootheca. In a female American cockroach's life, she will produce an average of one hundred and fifty young.
Unlike the dark-colored mature adult, the young American cockroach is pale white. Although it resembles an adult in body shape, its color does not change until the insect is a few hours old. The young American cockroach gets wings after it molts several times. Molting is a two-step process. First, the insect grows a new, larger body beneath the outer layer of its current body. Then, the insect breaks free of its old body and grows into a new one.
The American cockroach has an average life span of at least six months, but some American cockroaches have been kept alive in laboratories for as long as three years.
Bibliography
Barbara, Kathryn A. "American Cockroach." Entomology and Nematology, University of Florida, Apr. 2021, entnemdept.ufl.edu/creatures/urban/roaches/american‗cockroach.htm. Accessed 16 Mar. 2024.
Jacobs, Steve. "American Cockroaches." Pennsylvania State University, College of Agricultural Sciences, 19 June 2023, extension.psu.edu/american-cockroaches. Accessed 16 Mar. 2024.