Roaches are a constant problem in Queensland and throughout the world. Their specialized anatomy has allowed them to live and flourish in even the harshest environments. Learning about cockroach anatomy can not only help you identify them, but it can also give you some insights into why Sunshine Coast cockroach control can be so difficult.
Like all insects, cockroaches have three main body regions: the head, thorax, and abdomen. Let’s take a closer look at some of the interesting parts in each region.
The Cockroach Head
Cockroaches have large compound eyes (over 2,000 lenses) which allows them to see the world as a mosaic. They also have photoreceptor cells called ommatidia that allow them to see well in the dark. This helps greatly since they are nocturnal and are mostly active at night. Since their eyes are on the top of their head, they also have almost 360 degree vision.
Cockroach mouths face almost directly downward. They are not like human mouths, but they have parts that can cut, grind, and “chew” food. Once the food is swallowed, it goes into a special organ called a crop where the food is held until it can be broken down. Special microbes and enzymes help break the food down. These enzymes are important because cockroaches have been known to eat nearly anything from food scraps, to sewage, to glue and wood.
The Cockroach Thorax
The thorax of a cockroach is where the legs and wings are attached. Roaches have 3 pairs of legs that differ in length. The very long back legs allow roaches to run extremely fast, up to 50 body lengths per second. In a human, this would be like running 200 miles per hour!1 This may help explain why cockroaches are so tricky to squish.
Roaches do not breathe through their mouth or nose, but through holes in their sides known as spiracles. The spiracles draw in air, and then tubes called tracheae deliver oxygen to their organs and tissues. 2 pairs of spiracles are located on the thorax, and eight pairs are on the abdomen. This means that roaches can actually live without their heads for up to a week! When they do die, it is most likely from thirst.
The Cockroach Abdomen
Some noticeable parts of a roach’s abdomen are the two small appendages protruding from the end. These are known as cerci. In roaches, the cerci are very sensitive and are connected to a nerve that allows them to detect air movement around them. This allows them to move extremely quickly to get out of the way of a predator or a frustrated homeowner.
Sunshine Coast Pest Control
Taking a quick look at some of the anatomy of a roach shows a few of the reasons they are so hardy and difficult to control. Luckily, the professionals at Radar Pest Control have the necessary knowledge and the best products to get rid of roaches. Don’t let roaches continue to frustrate you, and instead, visit radarpestcontrol.com.au today for more information.