Which Skeletal Parts Does a Cockroach Have?
If you’re curious about the structure of a cockroach, you’ve probably wondered how it develops its exoskeleton. Cockroaches’ exoskeletons are made of chitin, a hard substance that protects the inside of the cockroach. However, this hard shell prevents the roach from growing, so the cockroach has to shed its exoskeleton several times a year. This process is triggered by a substance known as bursicon. The bursicon triggers a tanning or hardening process in the new skin.
The cockroach’s skeleton is actually composed of three different parts. The first is the exoskeleton, which is located outside the alimentary canal. The second part of the skeleton is called the coelom. These two components are linked together and provide support to the cockroach’s body.
The third skeletal component is the abdomen. It is shaped similar to that of a human finger. Its wings are rounded and positioned close to the body. The male cockroach is slightly smaller than the female and has fully developed wings. The female cockroach has two light-colored bands on the back. The eggs of the brown banded cockroach are laid in cracks in floors or wood moldings.
Cockroaches are omnivorous and feed on meat, starchy foods, and sweet substances. They also feed on dead animals, book bindings, and plant leaves. Some species even feed on plants in greenhouses.