A soaring cockroach is not a sight for the faint of heart. Although many associate these insects with dirt and unsanitary conditions, they can appear in the apartments of the cleanest owners. Thanks for the massive raid are neighbors who are tired of putting up with annoying tenants. At the same time, it does not hurt to find out if home cockroaches can fly, and what is the danger of being close to uninvited guests.
What kind of insect is a home cockroach?
The fossil remains of cockroaches belong to the Paleozoic era, it is 541-251 million years ago. Today, scientists have described more than 4,600 species, most of which live in the wild, and some have evolved along with humans and have become typical synanthropes. People are more concerned about whether cockroaches living in apartments fly. Among the species living next to humans, the following are best known:
- red cockroach, also known as Prusak: a large and widespread species native to Asia;
- black cockroach, whose number is declining due to the main food competitor - Prusak;
- American cockroach, introduced in the 17th century from the African tropics to the countries of Europe and North America. Typical cosmopolitan, whose range covers most of the globe.
A black cockroach has a characteristic color, so confusing it with other domestic species is very difficult, and it is not common. We have to deal with the Prusak and an American cockroach similar to it.
It is important to know how to distinguish these insects, because they behave differently. However, it is these species that make you wonder: can red cockroaches fly and how well? After all, the more information about the characteristics of pest behavior, the more effective it is to deal with them.
How to distinguish a red cockroach from an American
A person who is far from entomology will easily confuse the Prusak and the "American." Both species have a fairly narrow body and are painted in different shades of brown. Only American cockroaches are shiny, with a chocolate or red tint, and the Prussians are more dull, brown-red.
Another difference is in magnitude. The body size of an adult Prusak is only 1-1.6 cm, and American cockroaches grow in length to 3.5-5 cm.
Red cockroaches typical synanthropes and outside human dwellings are rare. Their American relatives are more adapted to life in the wild, willingly settle in public institutions and underground utilities. Therefore, the staff serving the tunnels and cellars will be happy to share observations on whether cockroaches can fly, using the ubiquitous "American" as an example.
The behavior of these insects is also different. The Prussians are harmless, except for the infection that they carry. But the Americans will not give up without a fight and can bite. All types of cockroaches have a developed gnawing oral apparatus equipped with powerful jaws with chitinous teeth, and the "Americans" successfully use them for protection. And if you add flying ability here, then these insects seem almost invulnerable.
Why cockroaches wings
In fairness, it is worth noting that there are forms of cockroaches devoid of wings, but they live in the tropics. A vivid example of a wingless species at all stages is Madagascar hissing cockroaches, growing up to 9 cm long. They are often kept as pets, and owners can not be afraid that the pet will leave the house through the window.
Most cockroaches have wings. The front pair is transformed into hard elytra with well-defined venation. If you take and consider, for example, the Prusak, you don’t immediately understand whether domestic red cockroaches can fly. Their membranous wings are reliably covered by strong elytra, like all relatives. The Prussians are not able to fly from place to place, but they do not fall flat from a height, but spread their wings and plan. The “dead head” cockroach, a species popular for home maintenance, has the same feature.
But American cockroaches have a more advanced aircraft, especially males. Their wings are well developed, protrude 4-8 mm behind the abdomen and are used by insects for their intended purpose.
Black cockroaches do not know how to fly at all, which also contributes to a reduction in the number of species. In case of danger, they have to rely only on their feet.
When discussing the flying ability of these insects, the typical flyers living in tropical forests cannot be ignored.
What cockroaches fly well
Our red-haired Prussians and their overseas relatives are extremely thermophilic, at t below -5 ° C they die, therefore they live either in constantly heated rooms or in a hot climate.
Arguing hypothetically whether home cockroaches can fly, it is worth considering why they need it. Inhabitants of houses and apartments do not need to travel considerable distances in search of food or escape from insectivorous predators. Therefore, during evolution, their ability to fly was completely or partially lost.
Another thing is species living in the wild. They need wings during the mating season and as a means of transportation, for example, during the drought period, because these insects drink a lot.
Types of Flying Cockroaches
It is worth noting that the wings are mainly used by males for their intended purpose, and this is true. Having reached puberty, females are almost constantly busy bearing offspring. And to fly with a full swarm of eggs is quite difficult. By the way, the inhabitants of the tropics do not have to wonder if cockroaches can fly: at night, insects circle around lamps and lanterns. Consider the most interesting species capable of full flight.
- Asian cockroach: a twin species of the Prusak with slightly longer wings, lives in the Asian tropics and southern American states.
- Australian Cockroach: A large brick-colored insect common in Australia and New Zealand.
- Cuban cockroach: different juicy grassy color, masking it against a background of green foliage.
- Turtle Saussure: females of the species are large and rounded, and they can reproduce without the participation of males (parthenogenesis).
Everyone who doubts whether cockroaches can fly can safely go to hot countries. Curious tourists will find many interesting things there. For example, a popular Chinese dish is candied cockroaches. In temperate latitudes, the opposite is true: we feed these insects and often do not suspect how omnivorous they are.
Does the cockroach diet depend on its ability to fly
A cockroach is not a bird, it does not need to catch prey on the fly. In nature, males move through the air in search of females, and forage is obtained on the ground. The basis of the diet of these insects is rotting organic matter. If you have to go hungry, a cockroach can go without food for a month.
The Prussians and their family members eat whatever they consider edible: book bindings, glue, leather goods, dust, natural textiles and even soap. And, of course, any food leftovers. That is why it is difficult to get cockroaches out even of houses where they carefully monitor cleanliness and hygiene.
Parasitic insects can come from sewers where they feed on feces. Surprisingly tenacious, they are immune to many infections and even high doses of radiation, but can bring with them a whole bunch of dangerous diseases.
What are the cockroaches in the house on their feet and wings
Curious kids sometimes wonder if red cockroaches can fly, and try to test their guesses empirically. Do not allow the child to come into contact with an insect that carries infections and parasites, for example:
- shigellosis, better known as dysentery;
- catarrh of the stomach and intestines (gastroenteritis);
- worm eggs (pinworms, roundworms, pork tapeworm and others);
- diphtheria.
Cockroaches can also cause a severe allergic reaction, mainly from skins discarded after molting. Health is more expensive, so you should not endure insects in the house.
Methods of struggle
“Cockroaches settled, but do not want to be evicted,” a well-aimed phrase from the legendary blockbuster People in Black very accurately reflects the essence of these insects. The Prussians are able to survive after a nuclear explosion, so it is not surprising that they adapt to any conditions and new insecticides.
When there are few cockroaches, baits, traps, crayons and aerosols work effectively. It is better to give preference to trusted brands: "Raid", "Raptor", "Combat".
I don’t want to think about whether cockroaches can fly, raking another scoop of dead insects. But if the colony has grown catastrophically, you will have to call pest control. Responsible companies provide quality services that guarantee complete disposal of hazardous pests.