Cockroaches – What Species Do Cockroaches Belong To?

Cockroaches belong to the cockroach family, Blattodea. Until recent studies, they were thought to be a separate order. However, more recent research has shown that termites are also Blattodeans. The Cockroach Species File includes information about 4,600 valid species and 6,700 scientific names. The database also includes images of museum specimens and pictures of living cockroaches.

Most cockroaches lay eggs in purse-shaped egg cases called oothecae. During their egg-laying season, they may produce up to two egg cases a week. The ootheca is a hard case that contains enough water for the developing eggs. Once the egg case hatches, it splits open at the top. Once the nymphs hatch, the female will eat the young nymphs.

Cockroaches are found throughout the world, but they are most common in tropical and subtropical climates. While they are primarily confined to tropical areas, there are some species that can survive in temperate climates as well. For example, the Blattella germanica species is found in California, Korea, and the United States. This species has a symbiotic relationship with a protozoan that digests cellulose. This type of cockroach is similar to termites, and current studies show that they are more closely related to termites than to other types of insects.

The cockroach is a member of the family Blattodea, which includes many other arthropods. They are flat, fast-moving insects that prefer warm moist environments. They are of ancient origin and have not changed much since the Devonian period in the Paleozoic era. Their metamorphosis takes them from an egg to adult, with the adult stage usually larger than their temperate counterparts.