How Big is the Biggest Cockroach?
WouterKnown as the megaloblatta, this cockroach is found in Panama, Ecuador, and Peru. It can grow as large as four inches in length and more than an inch wide. Its wingspan can reach eight inches. A Japanese collector preserved one of these cockroaches and it’s a fascinating piece of history.
There are numerous cockroach species can vary in size. Some are more than twice the size of the smallest cockroaches we find in our homes. The largest species has wings that stretch over three inches long and weigh more than an ounce. While some species grow larger than others, most are smaller than two inches.
One of the biggest species is the Australian cockroach. It can grow to be more than one-and-a-half inches long. Its habitat is in damp, woody areas and tree trunks. This species lives in colonies and spends most of its time in hiding. It is also distributed throughout the world.
The cockroach has an open circulatory system and breathes through holes in its body segments. This allows it to survive a thirty-minute submersion in water. Its small size also helps it survive in small spaces. It can also survive in microwaves. A small cockroach is also more likely to have a shorter lifespan and mature faster than larger cockroaches.
Cockroaches are notoriously filthy and can carry diseases. Their presence in a home can also trigger allergies and asthma. While many cockroach species are tiny, some are so large they become famous.
