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Department of Entomology
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Blattaria (Blattodea) (Cockroaches)
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Family Fact Sheet |

Blattaria - D. Mullins
D. Type of metamorphosis - Paurometabolous
E. Phylogenetic relationships
B. Head concealed from above by pronotum
C. Wings usually present
D. Tarsi five-segmented.
E. Antennae long and slender
Hissing Cockroach - D. Mullins
A. Life history
1. Eggs -enclosed in ootheca and may be carried by the female internally or externally
2. Some species viviparous
3. Nymphs - similar to adults.
4. Adults
5. Several generations per yearB. Habitat
1. Households in areas where there is available food, water, and harborage.
2. Some species under bark outdoorsC. Habits (mode of existence)
1. Omnivores
D. Collecting and preserving
1. Baits (e.g., beer-soaked bread)
2. Under bark of fallen logs
3. Mount on pins
4. Soft species in 80% alcoholF. Behavior
1. Usually nocturnal
2. Move very rapidly.
3. Females often carry eggs in oothecae
4. Oothecae dropped and protected in crevices, a prepared hole.
5. Some females cover oothecae with substrate and mix with glue substance to form a clay-like substance.
6. Some secrete a foul smelling odor others hiss like the one below
G. Significance
1. Economic - Major household problem. Seldom associated with disease even though health officials treat them as a health hazard.
2. Sometimes pests in greenhouses.
3. Ecological -![]()
Last modified: 9/3/96