Can Cockroaches Heal Theirself?

The answer to the question, “Can cockroaches heal themselves?” may surprise you. While they do not have the same sense of emotion and lifespan as vertebrates, researchers believe they are able to respond to external stimuli in the same way. Their bodies are made of cells, which release antimicrobial peptides in response to bacteria and fungi. As a result, roaches are able to produce their own antibiotics.

The process of regeneration is slow. After a cockroach molts, the affected body part re-grows along with its muscles and nerves. It takes about 12 weeks for the limb to regenerate completely. Cockroaches that intentionally shed a limb will regenerate that limb at 75% of its original size. The regeneration process will continue after each molt. Eventually, the limbs will complete regeneration at around 28 weeks.

Cockroaches have two kinds of light receptors, one of which is ultraviolet and the other is green. They also have a third light receptor that peaks in blue. Generally, they don’t like light and avoid it. However, if you find a cockroach that is dead, it will not produce a pheromone that would attract the insect.

Cockroaches have evolved to be symbiotic with other organisms. Because of this, they can help others heal themselves. They also communicate independently and send long-distance messages. Cockroaches do not attack humans or pets. In fact, cockroaches are quite unaggressive and are most likely to flee if faced with a predator. Occasionally, they will bite a person or animal, but only if they are sleeping or weak enough to brush the insect off.