What is the Life Cycle of a Cockroach?

In order to become an adult, a cockroach must first pass through the nymphal stage. This stage is characterized by a series of molts, where the cockroach sheds its skin and grows a new, dark exoskeleton. This process occurs six times. The nymphs will continue to molt and will change color in several stages before they become fully mature cockroaches.

Once an adult cockroach has reached sexual maturity, it begins to court males. It can live up to two years and produce hundreds of offspring. This means that a cockroach infestation can grow quickly from a small number to a large number of insects.

The cockroach’s ootheca, which contains the eggs, is placed inside the roach’s body. The ootheca can hold up to fifty eggs. The eggs incubate in a warm, moist environment. This incubation process typically lasts anywhere from 24 to 215 days.

Female cockroaches produce eggs in a hard egg case called an ootheca. These cases contain approximately fifteen embryos. During their reproductive stage, female cockroaches may produce two oothecae a week. They will lay one egg case every month for ten months. The eggs are attached to the ootheca by saliva. The female will carry the egg case from one location to another with her for several hours.

Cockroaches can survive for up to a month without food. However, they are prone to dehydration. Without water for more than three days, cockroaches will begin to lose weight and become lethargic. Cockroaches with dehydration and hunger will begin to decrease in number.