How Long Do Cockroach Eggs Hatch?
WouterCockroach eggs hatch after approximately 30 days, and this time frame is based on roach species. The eggs of the American cockroach are about one-quarter inch long and the eggs of the German cockroach are about half an inch long. Both roach species lay approximately the same number of eggs each year.
When cockroach eggs are laid, the female cockroach creates an ootheca, or egg case, that is a dark reddish-brown color. It is slightly inflated and contains about sixteen eggs. The female deposits the egg case in a hospitable environment, which is where the nymphs develop. After hatching, the nymphs take about 600 days to reach adulthood.
The cockroach egg cases are called oothecae and have a unique shape. Typically, they are about 8 mm in length and reddish-brown in color. The ootheca is covered with a layer of saliva that keeps it in place and the eggs inside.
Some species are able to carry their eggs around until hatching, so it can be difficult to find their eggs. Most species of cockroaches deposit their oothecae almost instantly, but some retain them for a longer period of time. The females secrete a saliva that acts as glue and enables the ootheca to stick to a surface.
Different species of cockroaches lay varying numbers of eggs. The German roach, for example, may lay 20-40 eggs inside its oothecae. On the other hand, the American cockroach may lay just 15-16 eggs inside its case.
