Why Cockroach Don’t Fly
WouterWhile many people think cockroaches can fly, not all do. Cockroaches are not good fliers, and some species have only small wings. The American cockroach, for example, has fully developed wings but does not fly very often. These bugs usually stay at a height of around 10 metres. The reason for this is not entirely clear. Common flying insects are much larger than cockroaches, which gives them an advantage over cockroaches.
Although cockroaches have four pairs of wings, they only use two. The front pair is thick and protective, and is similar in color to the rest of the body. The back pair is clear and thinner, and is hidden beneath the front pair. When flying, cockroaches will lift their front wings to expose the back set.
Because cockroaches are cold-blooded, they can’t generate heat, and their energy levels are much lower in cold temperatures. Their preferred temperature range is about 77 degrees Fahrenheit. This makes it difficult for them to fly. Instead, they will drag air across their body to cool down.
A few species of cockroaches do fly, though. Wood cockroaches, smoky brown cockroaches, and Australian cockroaches are known to be good fliers. German cockroaches, on the other hand, do not fly. While flying cockroaches are not dangerous to humans, they do make excellent prey for birds and bats.
