What Do Cockroaches Fly With?
WouterCockroaches are capable of flying, and some species of cockroach use their wings to glide from higher surfaces to lower ones in search of moisture and cooler temperatures. Although all insects are cold-blooded and ectothermic, some cockroaches fly when they’re encouraged by temperature extremes. Cockroaches generally prefer a temperature of 75 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit.
Cockroaches’ wings are made of two parts, the outer set acts as a protective covering, while the inner set is used for flight and gliding. The inner wings are thin and membranous and are semi-transparent. The forewings are not used during flight, but they do play an important role in cockroach movement. They help the cockroach adjust its center of gravity and counterbalance on uneven terrain.
Cockroaches’ wings vary in size, from small to as large as half its body mass. Although their wings can be as large as the size of their bodies, this is inefficient for long distance flight. Because of this, they usually choose to crawl to reach their destinations rather than fly.
Cockroaches fly when they feel threatened or when they have to escape. Although their flight is slow and ungainly, it is better than the motions of other animals, such as birds. Some cockroach species are capable of powered flight, such as Turkistan and American cockroaches. However, these two species are not known for their flying abilities.
