Cockroaches

Insect squad. Cockroaches are heat-loving, predominantly nocturnal and secretive insects.

They feed on organic debris, food and human secretions (sputum, feces). Due to their feeding habits, cockroaches can mechanically transmit pathogens. The causative agents of typhoid fever, dysentery, tuberculosis, leprosy, dysenteric amoeba cysts and helminth eggs were found in the excrement of cockroaches. Cockroaches spoil food, leather goods, books, etc.

The body of cockroaches is flattened, oblong-oval in shape, the head with long thread-like antennae and a gnawing-type mouthparts is bent down. At rest, the wings are tightly packed along the body; the front wings are transformed into leathery elytra, the hind wings are membranous, not developed in all species. The structure of the legs makes it possible to move quickly.

The eggs are laid in a capsule, which the female carries on herself until the larvae hatch. Cockroach larvae are transparent and wingless, similar in appearance to adult insects.

The larvae of red cockroaches reach sexual maturity in 2.5-5 months. The development of black cockroaches can take several years.