Why Do Cockroaches Fly?
Do cockroaches fly or do they just have a slightly uncoordinated way to get up? Everyone says they are brave until these insects spread their wings and fly around the room.
Are you interested in knowing why cockroaches fly ? In this article we reveal the secret.
Physical characteristics of cockroaches
To understand why cockroaches sometimes rise up fluttering and suddenly frightening us, we must first know their characteristics.
The first distinctive aspect seems to be the shape of the body, flattened and with thinner ends than the center.
Some cockroach species can measure more than 10 cm in length, others only a few millimeters, but the shape of the body is always the same.
As for the color, it can vary from black to brown. Their exoskeleton is smooth, the thorax is very developed and the hind legs are equipped with protective spines.
In addition, they have two rather long antennae on the head and large eyes on the sides of the same.
How do cockroaches fly?
These insects have wings, but curiously most of them don’t use them to fly. Cockroaches have two pairs of wings: the two main wings are outermost and, in the resting position, the left rests above the right. The second pair of wings is located under the first and is only pulled out when needed.
In reality, it is not correct to say that cockroaches fly, as they simply rise into the air in an uncoordinated manner. In general, they spread their wings when frightened and try to fly as an escape.
Each wing during the flight makes an 8-shaped movement that allows it to fly forward only. Furthermore, they do not have flight receptors in the brain as is the case with birds.
Due to the lack of sensory receptors they are unable to balance when they are in the air.
What species of cockroaches fly?
Not all cockroaches are able to rise into the air, despite having wings. Those that might “surprise” you by starting to fly towards you when they feel attacked or in danger are:
1. Surinamese cockroach
It can measure around two centimeters and the males can fly short distances. They are dark black in color and eat wood, causing massacres of vegetation.
2. Australian cockroach
Widespread throughout the world, especially in tropical climates. It measures over three centimeters when adult and has a yellow border on the chest.
3. Asian cockroach
Native to Southeast Asia, this species is similar to the common blattoid. It can measure less than two centimeters and is light brown in color.
4. Periplaneta fuliginosa
It can be found in the southeastern parts of the United States and can measure nearly 4 centimeters. It is one of the few species of cockroaches capable of “decent” flight. The pleriplaneta is reddish black.
5. Cuban cockroach
It is not only present on the island of Cuba but also in the Caribbean, in the state of Florida and in Texas, United States. Females are larger than males – 25mm and 15mm respectively – and in both cases they are green or yellow in color.
6. Megaloblatta
Here is the flight expert within the cockroach family. When it opens its wings it reaches an opening of two centimeters, half with the wings closed. It comes from Central America and South America.
7. Loboptera
Dark brown in color with lighter wings, it does quite well in flight, but this ability only affects males. In fact, the females have wings that are too small. It is one of the most widespread species of cockroaches in the world.
Now you not only know that cockroaches can fly, but that there are several species with this characteristic.
The next time one of these insects takes off and heads for you, try not to panic!
