How many legs does a cockroach have? What is the structure of its limbs? What makes these insects able to move quickly even on vertical and smooth surfaces? And can cockroaches grow new legs? In addition to answering all these interesting questions, in our article you will find a detailed description of the cockroach, including the internal structure and external features of the insect.
Meet the Cockroach Squad
Type: Arthropod. Class: Insects. Squad: Cockroaches. Such is the scientific taxonomy of creatures that are feared and hated by most of the population. In general, the general dislike of a person for cockroaches is quite understandable and justified. After all, these insects spoil books and food products, destroy domestic plants, and carry a number of dangerous diseases (for example, dysentery).
Where the word "cockroach" came from in Russian is not exactly known. According to one version, it comes from the Chuvash tar aqan ("fleeing"). There is a similar sounding word (tarqan) in the Turkic languages, but it is translated as “dignitary”.
Cockroaches are incredibly mobile insects that are mainly nocturnal. They prefer to settle in well-moistened and fairly warm places. They feed mainly on animal and plant remains. There are legends about the phenomenal endurance of these insects. They are indeed resistant to radiation, but not as much as the same fruit flies, for example.
It should be noted that cockroaches are not universally perceived by people with hostility. So, in some regions of the planet they are eaten or used as a medicine. In Ancient Russia, they did not even think about fighting cockroaches. The presence of these insects in the house was then considered a sign of prosperity and well-being.
Cockroaches: 9 Curious Facts
- Tsar Peter the Great was terrified of cockroaches.
- Some representatives of this order of insects are used in rather exotic events - cockroach races.
- Cockroaches in sugar is one of the traditional Chinese dishes.
- Without a head, a cockroach can live up to nine days.
- If desired, this insect can regrow lost limbs.
- A female cockroach lays about two million eggs a year.
- If a cockroach turns upside down, it won't have much of a chance to return to its original position.
- These amazing insects can hold their breath for 30-40 minutes.
- Every 15 minutes, cockroaches release gases, which contribute to the globalwarming our planet.
Features of the external structure of the insect
Almost all cockroaches known to scientists have roughly the same appearance. The head is equipped with sensory organs - two long and mobile antennae. The mouth of the insect is "equipped" with sufficiently powerful jaws, which allows it to chew hard food. The belly of a cockroach has an oval, sometimes slightly flattened shape. Most species have wings, but they almost never use them.
The body of the cockroach is covered with a strong chitinous shell from above. Several times during its life, the insect sheds its outer shell. During these periods, the cockroach becomes the most vulnerable. But over time, thanks to the special hormone bursicon, a new hard cover forms in the insect.
How does a cockroach work inside?
The internal structure of a cockroach is also quite interesting. The insect has a brain, it is represented by two large nodes located in the head. The nervous system consists of eleven ganglia - six abdominal (responsible for the activity of the reproductive and excretory systems), three thoracic (regulate the jaw apparatus, movements of the paws and muscles) and two cerebral.
The role of the heart is played by a small tubular organ located in one of the three cavities of the insect's body. The blood of cockroaches is white, it circulates freely through the body, but very slowly. That is why these insects are very sensitive to ambient temperature.
The cockroach breathes withten holes located on the abdomen. The digestive system is represented by the esophagus, goiter, stomach and primitive intestines. An interesting point: in the buccal chamber of the esophagus there are six additional teeth that help the cockroach to thoroughly chew the food that has entered the mouth. The intestines of the insect are saturated with various bacteria that can digest even inorganic substances.
How many legs does a cockroach have?
Now let's move on to the main issue of our article. So, how many legs does a cockroach have? Answer: six, like all other representatives of insects. These are three pairs of powerful legs, each of which is covered with spikes and villi. With their help, cockroaches are able to move quickly on vertical surfaces, and even on the ceiling.
The foot itself has a segmented structure and consists of several joints. Scientists have found that cockroaches of advanced age (60-70 weeks) are very sore, so it is quite difficult for “older” insects to climb up the walls.
Cockroaches are not only fast, but also incredibly nimble and agile insects. They can develop a phenomenal speed for their size - over 5 km / h. At the same time, in one second, cockroaches are able to change the direction of their movement several times. That's why they're so hard to catch.
How many legs do other cockroaches have? And how many varieties of this insect exist? This will be discussed later in our article.
The main types of cockroaches: names and photos
To date, science knows about 7.5 thousand species of these insects. Most of them live in the tropical and subtropical zones of the planet. Only 55 species of cockroaches are found on the territory of the former USSR.
The most common species is the so-called Prussian, or red cockroach (Blatella Germanica). It is curious that in Germany and the Czech Republic it is called the "Russian cockroach". Individuals of this species live for about six months. The female Prusak stores about 40 eggs and can breed up to 7-8 times per life cycle.
The second most common species is the black cockroach (Blatella Orientalis). It can most often be found in residential buildings and apartments, but it rarely climbs above the fifth floor. In food, the black cockroach is absolutely unpretentious - it can eat something from the dining table or feast on your waste from the bin.
The next photo shows an American cockroach (Periplaneta Americana). This species is distinguished by extremely long antennae and increased mobility. Oddly enough, the birthplace of the American cockroach is Africa. From the "dark continent" it has spread almost all over the world along with products transported by ships.
In apartments, Madagascar hissing cockroaches are most often planted (on purpose). And they really hiss! This sound in these insects is accompanied by the process of breathing.
It is impossible not to mention one of the largest representatives of the detachment - Megaloblatta Longipennis. These insects live in South and Central America. First of all, they are interesting because they can not only run, but also fly.
In conclusion…
Cockroaches are rather unusual, and in many ways even unique creatures. And if you, having overcome fear and disgust, will be able to look at these insects in a new way, you will be able to discover many curious and unexpected facts.
