Cockroach Exoskeleton

Cockroaches shed their exoskeleton regularly, known as moulting. After moulting, the old exoskeleton is replaced by a new one. The new one forms beneath the old one and is partially set at first. Later on, it sets in completely. If a cockroach is unable to shed its exoskeleton, it will not reach full maturity and may be affected in its reproductive processes.

A male cockroach has two skeleton types. The first is the hard, brown exoskeleton, which is the most common type. The second type of skeleton is made of cartilage, which is found in the abdomen and legs. These two types are different in appearance, so they are often confused with each other. The two types of exoskeletons have different functions.

The exoskeleton of a cockroach is similar to that of other insects. It is composed of a head, a thorax, and an abdomen. Each segment has three pairs of legs, each one with three joints. The legs have 18 knees.

The exoskeleton of a cockroach is made of keratin, chitin, and sclerotin. The exoskeleton of a roach is highly durable, able to withstand three to 900 times its body weight. Scientists can study cockroach exoskeletons to determine how much strength they have.