When Do Cockroaches Mate?
Cockroaches are able to produce up to 3 batches of fertilized eggs in a single mating cycle. This process occurs by transferring sperm from one male to the other through an internal storage location. Female cockroaches have paired ovaries, which contain oocytes that mature into nymphs after approximately 55 days. These nymphs are gray at first but develop a rust coloration as they grow older.
Cockroaches do not have wings, so they cannot fly. Without wings, they cannot escape predators or find food. They have few options for scavenging and are forced to stick together for reproduction. Cockroaches that can fly have a greater chance of raising offspring.
Cockroaches’ mating rituals are a fascinating aspect of their life. Males approach females, raise their wings, and release chemicals in their tergal glands to attract the female. Female cockroaches feed on the chemicals produced by the tergal gland. Once the cockroaches have found each other, the male telescopes his abdomen under the female and grabs the female by the penis. The entire process takes about two seconds. Unfortunately, the chemical conversion of complex sugars in the male’s saliva can kill the female if she is glucose-averse.
Cockroaches have a preferred temperature range, from 75degF to 86degF. When they find a warmer environment, they will move to it. This process is called moulting. If this is not possible, they will move to cooler places and seek out water to survive.