Cockroaches Flashcards
(30 cards)
how long have cockroaches been around
400 million years
origin of cockroaches
tropical/subtropical regions
Although they are not social insects, cockroaches…
are gregarious or commonly occur in groups
cockroaches will feed on practically anything with…
nutritive value
Appearance:
Two black “racing” stripes behind head
1/2 to 5/8 inches long
German cockroach
Importance:
The predominant pest cockroach species in the U.S. (and the world)
Found in kitchens and bathrooms of homes and apartments, restaurants, supermarkets, and hospitals
Have wings but do not fly
German cockroach
Appearance:
Dark brown in color with two pale bands on the wings
1/2 inch long
Brownbanded cockroach
Importance:
Indoor pests, likes bedrooms, furniture, cabinets, pantries, and closets.
Prefers warm (> 80F) and dry places
Brownbanded cockroach
Appearance:
Reddish-brown with pale brown to yellowish band around the edge of the pronotum
1.5 to 2 inches long
American cockroach
Importance:
Normally live outdoors in warm, damp areas like flowerbeds and under mulch
Inside locations where food is prepared
Both adult males and females can fly
American cockroach
Appearance:
Dark reddish brown to shiny black and has no distinctive markings
1 inch long
Oriental cockroach
Importance:
Primarily outdoor pest, feeding on garbage or decaying material or near drains or sinks
Prefer temperatures < 84 F
Oriental cockroach
cockroaches undergo which life cycle
gradual metamorphosis:
egg, nymph, adult
Cockroach eggs are deposited in groups in a leathery case or capsule called an
cockroach egg case
ootheca
The newly hatched nymphs have no ____ and they shed their ____ (molt) several times before becoming adults
wings
exoskeletons
Cockroaches are driven by
the need for water, food and shelter
are cockroaches diurnal or nocturnal
nocturnal
(T/F) cockroaches are omnivorous
True
(T/F) cockroaches are cannibalistic and coprophagy (eat feces)
True
Cockroaches are constantly exposed to pathogens, which are picked up by their body hairs and on their feet
As they forage for food, they subsequently cross-contaminate items they walk across
Mechanical Disease Vector
This is the most important medical effect of cockroaches on humans
Allergen Production
not posing a “traditional health threat” from biting or stinging
nuisance
Too many can cause a significant decrease in the ____ of troops
morale
is the IRRATIONAL fear of insects and what they are capable of doing
entomophobia