Is Cockroach a Beetle?

The cockroach and the beetle look similar in appearance, but they are in fact two different insects that belong to two separate orders. Cockroaches belong to the Blattodea order, while beetles belong to the Coleoptera order. Both are medium-sized insects that live throughout the world, with the exception of Antarctica.

The main differences between cockroaches and beetles are their bodies. Cockroaches have flattened bodies and lack longitudinal lines. Beetles, on the other hand, tend to have thicker bodies, and have segments in their bodies. Both insects belong to the Coleoptera and Blattodea orders, and their evolutionary roots can be traced back to between 300 and 350 million years ago.

A female cockroach produces eggs in an egg case that may protrude from her body or be glued in a protected location. The egg cases are then laid by the female and hatch into a soft, white nymph. Unlike most beetles, cockroaches are nocturnal, and they do not fly, although some species may migrate during the day.

Cockroaches are social insects that use pheromones to help identify their population. They are nocturnal and a male will court a female when mating. Cockroaches produce a foul odor, and their feces are everywhere. They are a health risk because they spread disease. Although they are not as harmful to humans as beetles, their presence in your home can cause illnesses.