Cockroaches are considered one of the most common pests in our households today according to pest control companies. However, did you know that they have a history that dates back millions of years ago? This article will give you a brief idea of the history of cockroaches, their habitat, biological information and more.

Origin of the name

You might be surprised to know that the origin of the word, cockroaches, comes from Spain. In Spanish, certain insects were called “Cucaracha.” This term got evolved further, and by the 1620s, the English version of the name, Cockroach, was evolved. This name has stayed on until now. Cockroaches, also known as roaches in some parts of the world, fall under the Blattodea order of insects. This group includes termites as well. You can find close to 5000 different species of cockroaches under this broad category. Out of this, only 30 species live in places inhabited by humans, and only 5 species are categorized as “pests.”

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How long have they been in existence?

Though we don’t know the exact time when cockroaches came into the origin, what we do know is that they have been in existence right from the Carboniferous Era. This era arrived on the earth around 320 million years ago! There were a few differences in the physical characteristics and behaviour of those ancient cockroaches when compared to today’s modern roaches.

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Out of the thousands of cockroaches found in the Blattodea insect order, some, like the Blattoptera, have become extinct already. In those days, the Carboniferous Archimylacris and Permian Apthoroblattina were considered quite huge. However, today’s modern roaches are bigger than all species that existed millions of years ago.

Differences between fossil roaches and modern roaches

Many studies were conducted about the history of cockroaches. By the 19th century, scientists confirmed that roaches could have had a Devonian origin ( a geological era that existed over 400 million years back). The main difference between those fossil-age roaches and the ones you see today was the presence of ovipositors. Fossil age roaches had long, tube-like ovipositors on their bodies to lay eggs. We don’t find that anymore in modern roaches.

Physical features

The common cockroaches you see in your kitchens today may be quite small’ however, some species of roaches are known for their size, length and weight. The giant burrowing cockroach of Australia (scientific name – Macropanesthia rhinoceros) is the heaviest cockroach in the world. It weighs over 30 grams and is about 90mm long. Almost all cockroaches have a small head, flat body, large eyes, long antennae and reddish-brown coloured skin. The mouth is located under their heads. The abdomen of the roaches have 10 segments, and each segment has a pair of spiracles, with the help of which they breathe.

Where can you find these roaches?

Considered to be one of the most flexible species of insects, roaches are highly suited for living in any type of condition -be in the spine-chilling Arctic winters or the soaring Tropical summers. Some species of roaches can live in extremely cold conditions of even -122 degrees Celsius because their bodies can make a glycerol anti-freeze naturally.

Common types of roaches you can find in your homes today

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The roaches that you find in your homes could be one of the following: German cockroach Small roaches found in almost all continents, except Antarctica

American cockroach Considered the largest household cockroach species, this one is also categorized as a pest. They are found in all tropical regions.

Australian cockroach Common tropical cockroach found in almost all parts of the world

Oriental cockroach Known as waterbugs, these roaches often reside in dark and damp places.

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Category: WHY