Why Are Cockroaches Flying?
WouterCockroaches develop wings as adults, but most of them are not good flyers. Those that can fly only fly under ideal conditions and in rare circumstances. Their wings are weak and require external heat to lift them off the ground. Consequently, flying cockroaches are not common in our homes.
Cockroaches are not attracted to humans and fly only when they are threatened. This behavior can make them look threatening, but they are not harmful to humans. They will scatter when light sources are turned on. This behaviour is particularly evident in American wood cockroaches, which are attracted to light and will scatter if disturbed.
Cockroaches have two sets of wings. The outer set acts as protective covering and is a similar color to the body. The inner wings, however, are used for flying and gliding, and are thin and membranous. They do not use their forewings during flight.
While most species of cockroaches prefer to crawl, some species are capable of flying. A typical American cockroach can cover 50 body lengths in a single second. This makes it three times faster than a cheetah! It is even possible for a flying cockroach to get stuck on its back and die.
Cockroaches are active flyers during breeding season. During this time, males can travel long distances in search of a mate. They can also fly to search for food and shelter. Cockroaches may fly to a decaying leaf, where they can find food and shelter.
