How Many Cockroach Species Are There?

If you’re wondering how many cockroach species there are, the best place to start is the Cockroach Species File. This database is a comprehensive, up-to-date taxonomic catalog of cockroaches. These insects are members of the Blattodea order, which also includes termites. In fact, termites were once considered a separate order, but recent research has found that they are Blattodeans. Cockroaches are classified according to their biology and habitat, and there are nearly 6,700 scientific names and 4,600 valid species in the CSF database. The database also includes pictures of museum specimens of each species. Increasingly, pictures of live cockroaches are being added as well.

Cockroaches are social insects that live in colonies. Females lay eggs in groups of four to thirty. These egg cases, known as ootheca, are actually dozens of smaller eggs bundled together. Cockroaches develop through several stages of nymphs before they reach adulthood. Initially, they appear ghostly white or cream-coloured. As they mature, their skin becomes tanned.

Cockroaches are medium-sized insects with six legs and long antennae. Most species are brown, red, or amber in color. Cockroaches begin their lives as eggs, and later molt to become adults. The number of molts varies between species.