Cockroaches – What Class Do Cockroaches Belong To?
Cockroaches are classified as insects. They are the largest group within the arthropod phylum. They are three-part invertebrates with jointed legs and a chitinous exoskeleton. Their body is made up of three pairs of legs, one pair of antennae, and compound eyes.
Cockroaches belong to the superorder Dictyoptera. They are closely related to other insects in the superorder. Insects in this class have wings that fold inward. They also have specialized mouth parts. Some species of cockroaches have a distinctive body shape.
Cockroaches are omnivorous and live in tropical and subtropical regions. Their flat, oval body shape and long legs are common characteristics. They also have long antennae. Their mouthparts are designed for chewing. Most cockroaches lack wings, but some species have wings. Their forewings are leathery, while their hind wings are thin and fan-like.
Cockroaches have three life stages. The first stage is called the nymph. This stage lasts for about two weeks, when a female cockroach lays her eggs. The egg cases may be protruding from her abdomen or glued in a protected area. Once the eggs hatch, the nymphs become adults. The nymphs are almost identical to the adult but lack wings. They can reach a length of more than 12 cm.
Cockroaches exhibit a wide range of behavioral characteristics. Their short legs enable them to move fast, traversing ceilings and walls. They also exhibit certain mating behaviors.