Which Exoskeleton Does a Cockroach Have?
WouterThe exoskeleton, also known as the exoskeleton, is a hard covering that covers the cockroach’s entire body. This cover protects the insect from damage through shock and excessive moisture loss. It also helps protect the insect’s internal organs. Several different species of cockroaches are similar in appearance.
A cockroach’s exoskeleton is made of chitin. It is a light brown color and will eventually break apart. When a roach molts, it will shed its old exoskeleton and replace it with a new one. This process occurs at intervals, until the cockroach reaches sexual maturity.
Cockroaches also have sensory organs in their legs called cerci. These organs help roaches move away from dangers. Roaches also have reproductive systems in their abdomens. These organs are also important in detecting when an enemy is coming close. The roaches’ legs are divided into two parts called prothoracic and mesothoracic.
The thorax is the middle part of a cockroach’s body. Six legs extend from the thorax, with two claws on each foot. The legs also have hairs that help the insects climb walls. The legs can propel them up to three miles per hour. The largest part of a cockroach’s body is the abdomen. The abdominal portion is made of many overlapping plates and sections. The heart is not a single organ, but rather a tube-like structure with valves.
The exoskeleton of a cockroach is made of chitin, a hard material that protects the roach’s insides. The exoskeleton cannot grow, so cockroaches shed it several times a year. In between, the roach grows rapidly and the new exoskeleton forms quickly. A new exoskeleton is formed in a few days, and the body of the cockroach grows before the old exoskeleton is shed.
