What is the Phylum of Cockroach?
WouterThe cockroach belongs to the phylum Arthropoda, which are invertebrate animals that have an exoskeleton, segmented bodies and paired jointed appendages. Their bodies are covered in a cuticle, which is made of chitin and mineralised calcium carbonate.
Cockroaches are classified by their jointed appendages and tough exoskeletons. These traits make cockroaches members of the phylum Arthropoda, which is one of the largest groups in the animal kingdom. Arthropods comprise 83 percent of all known species, and are present in all types of habitats on Earth. Some are even adapted to fly!
Cockroaches are generally oval-shaped and have long legs. They also have a flat extension on the dorsal side of the head. Most species grow to maturity within 3-4 months, though some species remain in this stage for several years. Their life cycles depend on their diet and seasonal differences.
In the past, cockroaches were classified under the Order Orthoptera. However, recent work has determined that they are indeed Blattodeans. The Cockroach Species File now has more than six thousand scientific names, representing more than 4,600 valid species. It also includes images of museum specimens. Pictures of living cockroaches are being added as they become available.
Cockroaches are nocturnal. They forage for food only at night and feed on fecal pellets. Their young rarely venture out of their hiding places and are usually fed by larger individuals. Some species also acquire symbionts or microbial flora, which help them digest cellulose.
