Cockroaches – What Family Does a Cockroach Belong To?
WouterCockroaches are insects in the family Blattodea. These arthropods have leathery wings, long antennae, and long legs. They also have a thoracic shield. Some species have wings, while others do not. They are found in tropical and sub-tropical areas.
Although cockroaches are a member of the superorder Blattodea, they are related to insects more closely related to the superorder Arthropoda. Their foldable wings and pleural wing folding muscle distinguish them from other insect groups. Insects that have a pleural wing folding muscle are classified in the pterygota, while insects that lack a foldable wing are in a suborder.
A cockroach’s structure is interesting and fascinating. Female cockroaches produce up to three batches of fertilized eggs in succession. Male cockroaches store sperm in an internal storage location and use it when needed. The paired ovaries contain oocytes, which mature and eventually turn into soft white nymphs. Female cockroaches need water and food to survive and breed.
The Cockroach Species File is a taxonomic catalogue of cockroaches. Cockroaches belong to the Blattodea order, which also includes termites. Although termites were once considered to be a separate order, recent research shows that they are Blattodeans. The database currently contains about 6,700 scientific names and 4,600 valid species. It also contains images of museum specimens. The images are being updated regularly and can help you identify a cockroach’s species.
