Cockroaches, which are the largest in the world

Appearance and features

Photo: What a Madagascar cockroach looks like

The Madagascar cockroach (Gromphadorhina portentosa), also known as the hissing cockroach, grows up to 7.5 cm in length when mature. These cockroaches are one of the largest species of cockroaches. They are brown, wingless and have long antennae. Males have large bulges in the chest and antennae that are moister than those of females.

Unlike most other cockroaches, they do not have wings. They are excellent climbers and can climb smooth glass. Males are distinguished from females by thicker, hairier antennae and pronounced “horns” on the pronotum. Females carry a carton with eggs inside and release young larvae only after the eggs hatch.

Like some other forest-dwelling cockroaches, parents and offspring usually remain in physical contact for long periods of time. In captivity, these insects can live 5 years. They feed mainly on plant material.

While many insects use sound, the Madagascar hissing cockroach has a unique way of creating a hiss. In this insect, sound is created through the forced displacement of air through a pair of modified abdominal spiracles.

Spiracles are breathing pores that are part of the respiratory system of insects. Because the airways are involved in respiration, this method of sound production is typical of the respiratory sound produced by vertebrates. In contrast, most other insects produce sound by rubbing body parts (such as crickets) or vibrating a membrane (such as cicadas).

Appearance of Madagascar cockroaches

Thanks to the unique conditions, the island of Madagascar is home to many unusual representatives of flora and fauna. Among the endemic species is the Madagascar hissing cockroach. Insects are rightfully considered giants among the representatives of their family. The length of the female is 60-80 mm, and the male is 55-70 mm. A characteristic feature of the species living on the island is the complete absence of wings.

Information. Cases have been recorded of Madagascar hissing cockroaches growing up to 100 mm.

The body of insects is oval, elongated and flattened. The abdomen is wide and thick. They have six muscular legs covered in spines. The color is bright, varying in intensity from yellow to brown in different individuals. The head and front part of the back are black. Nymphs are darker than adults. The chitinous shell of an insect is very durable and at the same time flexible.

Information. A unique feature of the island’s inhabitants is the ability to make hissing sounds. Sound signals are created by sharp contraction of the abdomen. At the same time, the air hisses out through the spiracles. The range of sounds produced by the male is wider than that of the female. Males in this way not only scare off enemies and rivals, but also court their chosen one.

Features of reproduction

Some species can be fertilized using the principle of parthenogenesis. This is a kind of “immaculate conception” and an exception to the rule. There is also a myth that all representatives of cockroaches are hermaphrodites. Actually this is not true. To produce offspring, a female needs to have sexual contact with a male at least once.

Red and black cockroaches reproduce in a classic way. The external characteristics of males and females vary greatly. To correctly determine who is who, you don’t have to be an entomologist. Females cannot fly and look much larger than males. The latter have pronounced reproductive organs in the back of the body.

The frequency of reproduction largely depends on the mating season. In black and red cockroaches it is not fixed, so the insects mate at the first opportunity. They do not have any fights for the female.

The female herself lets you know when she is ready to mate. Sexually mature individuals secrete a specific secretion that attracts males. Red and black cockroaches peacefully break into pairs.

Australian rhinoceros cockroach, 8-10 cm

The well-known Australian rhinoceros cockroach has another name - giant burrowing cockroach . It is not the largest in the world, second in size only to one cockroach, but it is the heaviest.

With a length of 8 centimeters, its weight is 35 grams. He has no wings. The head is very large with small eyes. The paws are massive with sharp needles. It was first discovered in Australia and today it can be found there. Also found in North Queensland.

This insect digs itself deep and long tunnels in the leaf litter. So they immediately build themselves a home and food. They live for about 10 years and are the longest-living insects.

It is often kept at home, because it loves cleanliness very much and does not have a nasty smell. In the aquarium he behaves calmly and does not try to escape, but it is important to create comfortable living conditions for him. For example, they love to dig everything, which is why they got that name.

A female cockroach can lay up to thirty larvae, each of which will subsequently spend at least nine months with the mother, until the insects are able to dig their own shelters.

What species end up in houses?

Not all types of cockroaches want to get into the house. But if red-haired Prussians made their way into the home, then a serious struggle awaits. Those residents who have already removed cockroaches remember their agility. It is difficult to find out where exactly these insects entered the house. But the main reasons for their appearance in the apartment are known:

• dirty dishes in the sink that haven’t been washed for a long time;
• garbage with food remains that is rarely taken out of the house;
• neighbors who already have cockroaches.

There is an increased risk of insect pests for those who live close to canteens and cafes. There are cases when cockroaches are simply brought home from work. Maintaining a clean home (especially the kitchen) is the main means of preventing the appearance of disgusting insects. Even one cockroach that gets into a house can quickly multiply. By the way, it also happens that insects appear in those who zealously monitor the cleanliness of their home.

Lifestyle

The largest cockroach in the world lives up to 1-1.5 years, in captivity - up to three. Rarely, adults can live up to 5 years.

Their diet consists of rotting remains of fruits, berries and green plant particles. Most often, these insects live under logs in the forest, on tree branches and in rotten stumps.

Reproduction

These cockroaches are viviparous insects. After the female is fertilized, she does not lay eggs, but carries the offspring in her stomach. After 50 - 70 days, 20-40 small white cockroaches with black eyes appear. Their size is only a few millimeters. After a few hours, the outer cover hardens and the larvae become brown.

The largest cockroaches carefully treat the larvae that have just emerged. They stay near their mother for a couple of days, then spread out. Until the larvae scatter in different directions, the female, protecting them, hisses angrily at other insects and animals.

The chitinous covering of the larva does not grow, so the cockroach grows in it. Periodically, the nymph molts: the old shell cracks, and a light, grown larva emerges from it. She has a soft new shell and begins to eat her former shell.

While the nymph does this, her integument hardens and turns brown. Young insects molt 6 times, the last time 5-6 months after birth.

You can breed Madagascar hissing cockroaches at home. They can serve as food for terrarium pets: lizards, snakes, spiders, amphibians; As food, cockroaches are valued for their high calorie content and lack of odor.

Many exotic lovers keep these cockroaches as pets.

Marbled cockroach, 2.5-3 cm

This is a versatile insect that can survive in any conditions, but prefers warmer temperatures. They are often bred and kept at home. By the way, they say that if a marbled cockroach escapes from a container or jar, then it will not stay in the house for a long time. They eat absolutely everything, but when they are full they become more or less picky about what they eat. They reach a length of 2.5-3 centimeters.

Features of keeping giant cockroaches

Madagascar cockroaches are interesting and unpretentious pets. You can use an aquarium or a plastic box to keep them. The container should have a lid, partially replaced with a mesh for ventilation. A layer of peat and sand or a coke substrate is formed at the bottom. Cardboard boxes are placed inside the insectarium as shelters for pets; egg trays are especially convenient.

The optimal temperature is 25-30 0, humidity – 60-70%. It is necessary to moisten the substrate with warm water from a spray bottle. Insects prefer to live on branches. Clean branches and pieces of bark must be placed in the aquarium

Adequate nutrition is important for the survival of young animals. The diet should contain a sufficient amount of protein foods

This prevents cannibalism. The following products are useful for pets:

• crackers;
• bran;
• vegetables – carrots, cucumber, cabbage;
• fruits - apples, bananas, pears;
• meat;
• boiled eggs.

You need to feed insects 2-3 times a week. Food should not spoil; it must be removed and replaced. If there is a sufficient amount of juicy fruit, a drinking bowl is not required. The substrate is changed every month. Clean bedding prevents the appearance of mites and mold.

Large black cockroaches are one of the most unwanted guests in our homes. Garbage in the house, unwashed dishes, dampness in the bathroom can be called factors that provoke their appearance. But sometimes situations develop in such a way that insects can be found even in apartments with ideal conditions and almost sterile cleanliness

.

Captivity

Net cockroaches are bred as a decorative or food species.
Large individuals require a spacious terrarium. Males exhibit territorial behavior and engage in fights, damaging the legs and wings of their opponents. One of the disadvantages of insects is that they eat their moulting counterparts. They are tolerant of other types of cockroaches and can live next to Madagascan cockroaches. Slow and calm archimandrites are captured and can be easily caught when escaping. Any type of terrarium is suitable for the reticulated cockroach. Its size is 30x30x30 cm for a colony of 10-15 adults. Glass and plastic boxes and food containers are used. Instead of forest litter, coconut substrate, large sawdust from deciduous trees (conifers are not suitable because of the resin), peat, and sand are poured. It is recommended to add fallen leaves, which are pre-disinfected with steam. The thickness of the litter layer is 3-5 cm. In some cases, the substrate is replaced with cardboard egg trays.

Bark and tree branches are laid out on the surface of the substrate. Insects will crawl on them and use them as a molting site. All items are treated with boiling water, washed, and heated in the microwave. Cleaning allows you to get rid of parasites that can destroy all exotic insects. An important factor is the temperature in the terrarium. Optimal parameters are 25-29°. When the thermometer drops to 23°, reticulated cockroaches become passive, eat little, stop reproducing, and nymphs take longer to develop. You can increase the temperature using an incandescent lamp with low power.

The second component of the microclimate in the home of insects is humidity. It is maintained within 50-70%. Archimandrites require a moist substrate; it is sprayed with warm water every 2 days. Netted cockroaches do not crawl along vertical walls, but the cage is covered with a lid so that the litter does not dry out.

Nutrition

The pet's diet should include dry foods and juicy fruits. Oatmeal and bran are kept in the terrarium on a permanent basis. It is advisable to give boiled eggs, meat, and cottage cheese regularly. These products are a source of protein; if there is a lack of it, insects actively gnaw each other. Food should not be left for long; after a few hours, the leftovers are removed. An excellent source of protein is dry food for Daphnia and Gammarus fish.

Plant food is required. Cockroaches love Chinese cabbage, apples, grapes, bananas, carrots, and greens. Wash dandelion leaves well before feeding. Wet food should be removed within 24 hours to prevent mold from appearing. The drinking bowl should be permanently installed; for the safety of the larvae, cotton wool or hydrogel should be placed in it.

There are no secrets or special recommendations in keeping the Archimandrite cockroach; such a pet is suitable for beginners. Observing insects requires patience; they spend a lot of time in the substrate and other shelters.

Body structure

If black cockroaches are infested in the house, it is difficult to confuse them with other types of pests. First, determine the length and color of the body of insects: on average 3-5 cm, but there are individuals whose size is up to 9 cm, the body color is rich black with shine. Males are slightly smaller than females. The external structure is similar to the anatomical features of representatives of other species: the body is divided into segments (chest, head, abdomen).

Structure of the head department:

• Eyes of complex structure
• Mustache
• Oral apparatus
• Simple eye.

Males have better vision than females. The antennae of insects are mobile, since with their help the functions of smell and touch are realized. Their length varies: females have shorter antennae than males. The thoracic region consists of several segments: prothorax, metathorax, mesothorax. The back covers the insect's head. Number of paws – 3 pairs.

The structure of the foot is quite complex: there are claws and a sucker. This allows the pest to move across different surfaces. Pests also have wings. The abdominal section is segmented, with only the first seven sections being large in size, the rest being reduced. The anus is located on the last segment. Sensitive processes - cerci - are also located here. The male is distinguished by the presence of protrusions called styli. They are located on the ninth abdominal segment and provide protection to the external genitalia.

The influence of special bacteria that inhabit the intestines allows us to digest foods that seem inedible to us.

The structure of the nervous system is unusual: there are several nodes, the largest nerve node implements the function of the brain. The respiratory system consists of a certain number of openings located on the abdominal segments, they are called stigmas.

Sex differences

Among the largest cockroaches in the world, males can be fairly easily identified based on several key characteristics:

Female and male black cockroach

• with an average length of 5.5 cm, they are slightly smaller than females, which are generally about 6 cm long;
• males have peculiar horns on the prothorax, while females do not have such formations.

There are varieties of Madagascar cockroaches without growths. Among them, the male is identified by crooked antennae, which suffer during mating fights. In addition, females have a wider abdomen with the last two segments colored black. The male has only one such segment.

What to withdraw?

If you find this type of insect in your home, you should check thoroughly to see if there are any leaks from pipes or stagnant water. You may need to call a locksmith and have a professional inspection done.

At the same time, do not forget to pay attention to the risers - this is one of the most likely “routes” for cockroaches to get into your apartment. After this, you can go to your neighbors and find out all the issues mentioned above

The fight against black cockroaches can be quick and effective, or it can take a long time.

Below is a list of tools that can be used with success:

GET from cockroaches

One of the best preparations for domestic insects. The emulsion is diluted in water immediately before use strictly in the specified ratio. All suspected habitats are being processed.

The cost of one bottle is approximately 750 rubles.

Apply dotted or drip onto the surface of the floor and cabinets. It is not effective when there are large numbers of insects. Reviews are contradictory, but the majority are positive.

The price of one tube (75 ml) does not exceed 200 rubles

.

Dohlox gel

Odorless, non-toxic to people and animals. When used correctly it shows excellent results. A long-acting drug that is effective even in large populations.

It is insects that have the highest level of adaptability to environmental conditions. And speaking specifically about cockroaches, they actually know how to adapt and live in conditions of severe chemical pollution. What can we say, cockroaches can easily survive a nuclear explosion!

These pests disgust even the most persistent people, especially if they are found in their own home. However, there is a type of cockroach that is completely harmless to humans; it is often elevated to the rank of a full-fledged pet.

Living next door or how to eliminate disease carriers

If cockroaches do appear in the house, there is no need to wait until they move to another apartment. They managed to leave behind many eggs and offspring. We urgently need to get rid of all reminders of an encounter with an unpleasant insect.

The first instinctive extermination is mechanical. It is carried out after the fact: saw - killed. It helps from one representative, but the method only works locally. This method cannot get rid of the entire family of longhorned beetles.

Previously, heat treatment was a popular method. Black domestic cockroaches were frozen out of the building. The method is not suitable for residents of houses with central heating. Not technically feasible.

The use of drugs of natural origin is ineffective, but is used all over the world. Repellents do have an unpleasant odor for cockroaches, but they only repel them and do not help get rid of them at all. The safety of the drug, unfortunately, has been proven not only for people, but also for insects.

Self-made traps, as well as specially made ones, are relevant. For example, a jar of butter is often used. The treat is placed inside a coated jar. After the meal, the cockroach will not be able to get out of it. Also, on the way to the bait, adhesive tape is laid out, so that a cockroach cannot just run across it. A small individual will stick completely, the largest cockroach will leave only its legs. Not a very effective remedy to get rid of barbels forever.

Insecticides kill insects outright. Chemicals entering the body destroy the insect in a matter of minutes. It can survive if it has time to drink water. But even after this, he will bring the remains of chemical components to the nest, thereby dooming his entire family to death.

Folk methods for exterminating cockroaches include boric acid. It is relatively safe for humans, accessible and effective. She is placed around the apartment for several days near areas infested with red and black neighbors.

There are about 5 thousand species of cockroaches in the world. Among them, the Blaberidae family stands out, uniting the largest insects. Up to 20 species of hissing cockroaches are endemic to the island of Madagascar. Their sizes are 50-90 mm, some giants grow up to 100 mm. The largest cockroaches in the world lack wings. They live in the forest floor, feeding on fruits and fallen leaves. Exotic lovers in all countries have these unpretentious and interesting creatures at home.

Area, description

Gromphadorhina portentosa is found in Madagascar. It is this cockroach that holds the record for size among similar individuals all over the world. The maximum length observed in these insects in nature is sometimes 9-10 cm. Their wingless body is yellow-brown with brownish-black posterior thoracic segments.

The largest among its individuals Gromphadorhina portentosa

Under natural conditions, their life expectancy usually does not exceed two years. They feed on fruits, as well as leaves of trees and bushes where these huge cockroaches live. They can be found on the ground, settling in the litter. In captivity they can live for about five years.

Reproduction and development

Many insects typically reproduce sexually, and cockroaches are no exception. To begin with, the female cockroach lures the male by secreting a special substance that is produced by her glands. After the male fertilizes the female, his gametes will be stored by the female for a long time, so in the future the female will be able to do without repeated fertilizations for some time.

During her life, a fertilized female can lay larvae up to 6 times. The lifespan of these insects can reach several years. They reproduce all year round and in any environmental conditions.

A pregnant cockroach carries a fertilized egg, which is called an ooteca. The female carries the ootheca within herself and only a few weeks before the larvae mature, she hides the egg in a secluded place. The number of larvae in the ooteca varies depending on the species; for example, the ooteca of the domestic red cockroach contains about 20 larvae.

When cockroach larvae are fully mature, they emerge from the egg and immediately begin to live with the adults. The larvae eat the same food as the adults. In order to answer the question: “What do cockroach larvae look like?” it is necessary to know the developmental features of these insects. The fact is that during the development process, the nymph is forced to go through up to 6 molts before it becomes an imago. After the nymph goes through all stages of development, it turns into a sexually mature insect that is capable of producing its own offspring.

During the molting process, the larva sheds its old shell. The first few hours after molting or birth, the insect is very vulnerable and noticeable: the color of the cockroach has not yet appeared and it is completely white (except for the eyes), the shell has not yet hardened, so the insect is very soft. It can take about 4 months for an insect to develop from egg to adult (imago). It’s not difficult to guess what a small cockroach looks like, because its appearance is not much different from an adult. But, nevertheless, there are a number of differences between the imago and the small cockroach:

• The larvae are smaller;
• Darker color;
• They have no wings.

Reproduction

Large Madagascar cockroaches are viviparous species. The female carries the ootheca in the genital bursa of the abdomen. To gain the attention of a partner, males engage in battles. In the heat of battle, opponents' paws or antennae are bitten off. Males push the opponent with cone-shaped outgrowths. The defeated contender falls on his back and gives up the female to the winner.

After fertilization, embryo maturation occurs in the insect's body. A special capsule is formed in the abdomen - the ootheca, in which the eggs are located. Periodically, the female pushes it outside for ventilation. Pregnancy lasts up to two months, its duration depends on temperature - when it gets colder, the appearance of offspring is delayed. 20-50 small larvae emerge from the abdomen of the cockroach. They are white in color, the body is soft, without a shell. During the day, the larvae darken and become covered with a chitinous layer. During the first days, the female stays close to the offspring. Protecting children, she hisses especially sharply and loudly.

Attention. Under unfavorable conditions (low temperature or humidity, lack of food), females shed their ootheca prematurely and the offspring die.

Large black cockroaches in the apartment, how to get rid of them?

Temperature below minus ten

destructive for cockroaches. In an unheated room in winter they die. But this method of control, of course, is only suitable for exterminating them in country houses in the off-season.

Since ancient times, in our country they have been fighting cockroaches: laying out

in their habitats
, orange peels, bay leaves, elder flowers, pyrethrum, boric acid
mixed with boiled egg yolk. The pungent odor of these plants and substances is, in theory, due to cockroaches.

In practice, these traditional methods are not very effective.

. - one of the most ancient animals on the planet, they safely survived the dinosaurs. Evolution is taking place before our eyes: our ancestors successfully used these means, and today you can see insects crawling on them.

Killing cockroaches with a slipper is a fascinating activity, but you can’t exterminate many of them this way. You will finish off the whole pack, while the cocoons lie in a secluded place. Soon a new generation will emerge from them.

Application against poisonous cockroaches is somewhat more successful. Spray the spray in the places where they feed, you can sweep up the corpses of insects with dustpans.

The disadvantages of this solution are obvious: chemical poisons are harmful

not only for insects, but also for humans.
Before chemical treatment of a room, you must close the doors and windows tightly and leave it for a while. Children can be poisoned
by insecticides .

Among other means of struggle, we will mention adhesives, labyrinths, electrodes; , the fumes of which paralyze an insect passing through a line drawn on the floor.

IMPORTANT! The most effective remedy today is special gels. They are squeezed out of plastic syringes onto paper or stands in places of mass pilgrimage of cockroaches

The smell and taste of the gel is attractive to insects, they eat it with pleasure

. Then they die in droves from poisoning.

Among such products, popular trademarks are “”, “”, “”, “Sturm”, . Unlike aerosols, such products are safe for humans

.

If cockroaches have been living in an apartment for many years and nothing takes them out, specialists will be able to remove them. Professional sanitary services will cost several hundred rubles to comprehensively treat the premises with substances harmless to humans. In the future, if you keep your house clean, the problem will be eliminated for years.

To eliminate this danger, it is necessary to agree on sanitizing the entire house

Particular attention should be paid to eliminating sources of high humidity: eliminate hot and cold water leaks in the basement, atmospheric moisture entering the entrance, through the roof, windows, cracks. It is necessary to ensure that municipal services provide timely and accurate waste removal.

But the main thing is cleanliness, constant cleaning of the premises in your own home.

.

Wash dishes immediately, do not accumulate them in the sink. After lunch, immediately sweep the crumbs off the table. Store bread, cereals in sealed bags, and other products in the refrigerator. Take out the trash daily, preferably several times a day, especially if the garbage disposal is on the floor. You can't accumulate it in a bucket.

Understand the reasons for high humidity in the restroom, kitchen, and bathroom. Find water leaks and fix them.

Dampness can also be the result of condensation of vapors in the kitchen. Ventilate more often.

A clean house will not have cockroaches. Their presence in the apartment eloquently testifies to the lifestyle of its owners. Change your habits, harmful insects will leave you alone.

Flying cockroaches, names and photos

Despite having wings, not all cockroaches can fly. And even representatives of flying species do not know how to glide in the air, but only make small and short flights. Flying cockroaches:

Red cockroach (Blattella germanica)

It has a brown-red color and a body length of 1-1.6 cm.

Lapland cockroach (Ectobius lapponicus)

A species that lives in Europe and the USA. Males are 1.3-1.4 cm long, females are 9-10 mm long. Individuals are colored gray-yellow and brown-yellow.

Asian cockroach (Blattella asahinai)

It lives in the tropics and subtropics of hot Asia, as well as in the southern states of the USA.

American cockroach (Periplaneta americana)

It is similar to the Prussian, but differs in longer length - from 35 to 50 mm.

Cockroaches Megaloblatta longipennis and Megaloblatta blaberoides

They live in the countries of Central and South America. The length of the insects reaches 9 cm, width - 4.5 cm. The wingspan is 18-20 cm.

Cockroach Blaberus giganteus

A species native to South and Central America. Males grow up to 6.5-7 cm, females - up to 7-8.5 cm.

Features of keeping domestic giants

Under natural conditions, Madagascar cockroaches live in a humid tropical climate. Not being able to fly, they are constantly on the plant litter and hide under leaves or remnants of bark from possible enemies. Considering how the largest cockroaches in the world live, it is worth creating an insectarium microclimate. Insects will feel good in any sufficiently large aquarium, but the following conditions should be observed.

1. It is necessary to isolate the cockroach from the possibility of getting out. It is worth covering the aquarium ¾ with glass and about ¼ with a fine mesh. This will leave room for ventilation and make it possible to feed your pets.
2. The bottom is covered with a mixture of peat, sand and coconut substrate. You can use pieces of birch bark for shelter. Be sure to place several large branches so that your pets can feel at home.
3. The substrate is always kept moist. To do this, it is convenient to use a spray bottle with a fine cloud.
4. Using an infrared emitter for terrariums, the temperature is maintained at 25-30 °C.
5. You can purchase any electronic device as a humidifier or use incubator baths. Humidity is kept at 60-70%.
6. It is useful to use a fan to evenly distribute moist air throughout the entire volume and regulate it.

Cockroaches are unpretentious guests; if normal conditions are created, then new pets can be observed very quickly.

Gromphadorina portentosa Cockroaches do not excite anyone with their appearance, except perhaps disgust, but, nevertheless, there are types of cockroaches that are kept as pets. One of these is the Madagascar hissing cockroach (Gromphadorhina portentosa). Madagascar cockroaches are the largest cockroaches in the world. They can also be seen in the wild if you take ecotourism to Madagascar.

Madagascar cockroach The largest cockroaches in the world reach up to 9-10 cm in length. This is the maximum length. On average, the body of males reaches a length of 5.5 cm, and that of females - 6 cm. Madagascar cockroaches do not have wings, their body color is yellow-brown. In the wild, the lifespan of these insects is no more than 2 years, and at home – 5 years. They feed on fruits, leaves of trees and shrubs. Cockroaches live both on branches and in leaf litter on the ground.

Madagascar cockroaches In addition to their large size, Madagascar cockroaches have one more feature - they hiss loudly when they sense danger. In captivity, cockroaches demonstrate their ability to hiss when they are touched with a finger. Thanks to their slippery shell and ability to scare away with hissing, cockroaches manage to escape from insectivorous animals and birds, but not always. The same hissing is accompanied by the efforts of males to attract females during the mating season. These insects engage in fights for females. Males push each other hard and thereby cause significant damage. The fight ends when one of the fighters lies on his back with his paws up. This means he is defeated.

female Madagascar cockroachMadagascar hissing cockroaches are active at night. During the day they hide in the bark, in cracks or under leaves. Insects love warmth, and temperatures below 25 degrees are poorly tolerated by them. These representatives of the fauna reproduce by gestating eggs in the ooteca. This is the name of a special section on the abdomen, located at the very tip. Gestation lasts about three months, after which small white cockroaches hatch. Hardening and browning of the skin of newborn cockroaches occurs during the first

reproduction of the Madagascar cockroach several hours after birth. At one time, one female hatches 20–40 babies. The growth of a cockroach takes a long time - about six months. During this time, molting occurs six times. When a cockroach becomes an adult, molting no longer occurs.

Based on materials:

eco-turizm.net

Tiger Madagascar cockroach, 6-7 cm

This insect is most often grown at home. The body length of the Madagascar cockroach is 6-7 centimeters, males are slightly wider than females. They live in Madagascar in arid tropical forests. They prefer rotting fruits and other decaying vegetation as food.

At home, they should be kept in large terrariums with a lid. Moreover, the size of the terrarium completely affects the reproduction rate. You should not place more than one male for several females in one container. It is better to feed with juicy fruits and do not forget about the beneficial substances that the body needs.

American cockroach

The size of the American cockroach can reach four centimeters. They feed on almost everything and are highly fertile. The considerable growth rate and ability to survive make us talk about this representative of the cockroaches seriously.

American cockroaches can move everywhere, even on the ceiling. When in danger, this insect exudes a stinking liquid that causes an instant allergy in the enemy. It can be considered one of the longest-livers among the entire cockroach family. If you find this creature in your home, immediately contact the appropriate service to remove them. An American cockroach can even attack a pet in a fight for food! Agree, such creatures are very unpleasant neighbors.

We have listed the most famous types of cockroaches. Next, let's talk about those that can cause surprise and even amazement when meeting.

Life cycle of a cockroach

The American cockroach has three life stages: egg, several larval instars, and adult. The life cycle from egg to adult averages about 600 days, and the adult life span can be an additional 400 days.

Nymphs emerge from the egg in about six to eight weeks and mature in about six to twelve months.

Adults can live up to one year, and an adult female will give birth to an average of 150 children in her lifetime. Environmental factors such as temperature and humidity affect the development time of the American cockroach. Outdoors, the female prefers moist, hidden places.

Eggs: Female American cockroaches lay their eggs about a week after mating. At the peak of her reproductive period, she may lay down two capsules per week. Females produce on average one ootheca per month for ten months. The female deposits a capsule near a food source, sometimes sticking it to the surface using a special secretion from her mouth. The deposited ootheca contains water sufficient for the development of eggs. When stored, the shell of the egg turns brown or black after a day or two. It is about 8 mm long and 5 mm high.

Nymph: The nymph stage begins when the egg hatches and ends with the emergence of the adult cockroach. The number of molts of the American cockroach varies from six to 14. The first instar American cockroach turns white immediately after hatching, then turns grayish-brown. After molting, subsequent cockroach nymphs are white and then reddish-brown, with the posterior edges of the thoracic and abdominal segments being darker in color. The wings are absent during the nymphal stages, and the wing flaps become visible in the third or fourth instar. Complete development from egg to adult takes about 600 days. Nymphs, like adults, actively obtain food and water.

Adult: The adult American cockroach is reddish-brown in color with a pale brown or yellow stripe along the edge of the pronotum. Males are longer than females because their wings extend 4–8 mm beyond the tip of the abdomen. Males and females have a pair of slender, articulated paired appendages at the tip of their abdomen. Male cockroaches have cerci with 18 to 19 segments, while females have 13 to 14 segments. Male American cockroaches have a pair of palps between the cerci, but females do not.

Types of hissing cockroaches

The inhabitants of Madagascar forests are divided into four species:

Gromphadorhina grandidieri

The tiger cockroach got its name due to its characteristic coloring. Its chest region is black with red spots on the sides. The abdomen is yellow with black transverse stripes. The coloring is similar to that of a wasp or hornet. There is a separate species - large black cockroaches of the species G. grandidieri black. In structure they are absolutely identical to their striped relatives, but their abdomen is coal black. The adult size is 60-70 mm. They live up to 5 years.

Gromphadorhina portentosa

The Madagascar hissing cockroach is one of the largest representatives of the family. Adults are brown with a darker head and pronotum. Their length is about 70 mm. The coloring of the larvae is more varied. Their sides are yellow-brown. Insects live on trees or bush branches. When threatened, they emit a characteristic hissing sound.

Gromphadorhina oblongonota

The broad-horned mute is similar to the more common species G. portentosa. This is the largest cockroach - females reach 70-90 mm, males - 60-80 mm. The pronotum is black, the rest of the body is terracotta or dark brown. Powerful legs are covered with numerous spines. The insects got their name from the prominent outgrowth on the pronotum of males. This species is not only larger than its other brethren, but also hisses louder.

Information. Broad-horned mute cockroaches are unpretentious in keeping, like other Madagascar cockroaches. They are rarely kept due to their slow reproduction and development.

Adult insects can be carriers of non-parasitic mites. This is a symbiosis that does no harm. Ticks clean chitinous shells in hard-to-reach places.

Gromphadorhina picea

There is little information about this endemic species. It is known that it was discovered in 1973.

Reproduction of different species

Knowing the basic life cycle of cockroaches will help prevent their appearance and make it easier to eliminate unwanted guests. One female is capable of giving birth to 40 young individuals. Their number depends on the number of larvae in the egg carried by the female. Outwardly, such an egg looks more like a bag. All types of cockroaches breed in the apartment all year round.

During her life, the female lays eggs up to 4 times. Detecting such masonry is problematic. Another feature of the life activity of these creatures is their ability to leave marks at sources of food and water for their relatives.

But getting rid of any type of cockroaches is difficult. Even expensive drugs are sometimes unable to cope with this task. Exterminators advise taking preventative measures to prevent these creatures from appearing in your home, because destroying them will be quite problematic.