What Order Do Cockroaches Belong To?
WouterCockroaches are insects with flat bodies that are fast-moving and prefer moist, warm environments. They have been around for millions of years, and haven’t changed much since the Devonian period of the Paleozoic era. They go through a series of stages during their life cycle, from egg to adult, before dying at maturity. Because of their life cycle, cockroaches are often found in groups together in their preferred habitats.
Cockroaches are classified into several orders and suborders. Blattodea, for example, are dorsoventrally compressed insects with chewing mouthparts. Blattodea also have filiform antennae with more than 30 segments, and many of their species have very fast wings. Other Blattodea species have modified forewings (tegmina) to protect their membranous hind wings.
American cockroaches are common in the United States and are classified as widespread pests. These roaches live both indoors and outdoors in temperate and warm climates. They live from six to twelve months and feed on decaying organic material, although they will feed on clothing and paper as well.
Cockroach eggs are laid in egg cases, which may protrude from the female body or be attached to a protective area. Once the eggs are laid, the nymphs are developed in the ootheca, which hardens to a brown color. Adult cockroaches resemble the nymphs, but they differ in shape and color.
