Can a Cockroach Be White?
WouterThere’s a common misconception about cockroaches. Despite being an extremely common pest, cockroaches aren’t completely white. They’re actually a shade of brown. Their lack of pigment is actually caused by a genetic abnormality called albinism, which affects the ability of animals to produce melanin. This pigment is responsible for the color of the animal’s skin and exoskeleton.
Cockroaches lose pigment while molting and must replace it. This pigment plays a role in the roach’s circadian rhythms. When it loses pigment, it’s easier for other cockroaches to feed on the affected roach. This can result in albino cockroaches.
While it’s common to see cockroaches in the color of their shells, you shouldn’t get overly excited if you happen to see a white cockroach in your house. While white cockroaches are a bit more shocking than brown roaches, they’re nothing more than normal cockroaches in their moulting phase. Fortunately, it’s relatively easy to spot and kill them during this stage.
Cockroaches are white for a short period of time after molting, and they’ll regain their color afterward. Typically, they’ll molt up to 14 times before they reach adulthood. The main way to avoid cockroaches is to keep your house clean. Roaches thrive in environments that are unsanitary, so make sure your home is free of these conditions.
