Do Cockroaches Hold Grudges?
WouterCockroaches are not the only creatures with a sense of justice. People also have an instinct to swat them, but it’s not clear if cockroaches have the same mentality. Cockroaches lack higher cognitive functions, and so it is unlikely that they plan revenge schemes. However, this doesn’t mean that they don’t have the capacity to learn and remember. As a result, they may develop a “conditioned” response to certain stimuli, including human saliva.
Cockroaches are scavengers, and are important in cleaning sewers and other places. Their scavenging behavior is an extension of their survival instincts, and occurs when food is scarce and their numbers are low. In addition to cleaning up the world around them, cockroaches also play a role in the decomposition of forest litter and excreta.
Cockroaches have open arteries and circulatory systems, which allow them to breath through holes in their body segments. This means that they can survive being submerged for up to 30 minutes. They also have six hairy legs, which they use to sense touch. This allows them to stay alive even if they’ve been decapitated. Even after being separated from their mate, a cockroach will still react to a stimulus. It will move its head for a few hours, while the rest of its body will be stationary for several weeks.
Some studies have shown that cockroaches do have a sense of justice. They may take revenge on humans, which can be very unsettling. However, they may not be trying to kill you – they’re just trying to protect themselves.
