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For millions of years, cockroaches have existed and are still thriving today, with over 4,600 types of species. Answering the question, what does a cockroach look like, is layered with complexity since they are arguably cute and gross at the same time.
What Does a Cockroach Look Like?
The answer to what does a cockroach look like is not as simple as it seems. Cockroaches are arguably cute and gross at the same time. Cockroaches’ possible cuteness comes from those who believe they could be fun to play with, like playing with a ladybug or a water beetle. Once you are aware of the utter disgusting germs they bring to the table, cockroaches are seen to be on a whole new level of gross. It doesn’t help to know that cockroaches have been around for basically forever. Literally, for millions of years, they have existed and are still thriving. Cockroaches are the unbreakable army that keeps on regenerating no matter what this world throws at them. With 4,600 types of species, it’s no wonder they take over the world.
The description can be broken down into key features to identify what you are dealing with. Even though there are so many types of cockroaches, they all have certain characteristics. From the shape of their body, their antennas, heads, and babies, cockroaches have a distinct look. Let’s look at these details a little more closely, as well as some of the most notorious cockroaches in New Jersey.
How to Recognize a Cockroach
Considering there are 4,600 cockroach species, there are only about 30 types of this species that mingle into where humans are. New Jersey is home to about 5 types of cockroaches that are popular in the area. Don’t be fooled by the decreasing number of types because, within those 5 popular types for New Jersey, there are millions and millions of each roaming around. How a cockroach looks can vary, but all cockroaches’ bodies have three main parts:
Cockroach Head
The smallest body part with a lot of functions. Cockroaches have compound eyes on their black head, with a pair being on top of the head. All these eyes instantly make the cockroach aware of movement and threats and help it to see food. The antenna is a high-functioning sensory part. Cockroach antennae are close to the length of their body and very thin. The antenna allows the cockroaches to touch, smell, taste, and communicate with other cockroaches. The ultimate navigation system. The mouth is very strong and it’s made for chewing anything it comes across. A curveball to all these sensory parts at the head is a cockroach can live without its head for up to a week! It’s no longer the headless horseman but the headless cockroach!
Cockroach Thorax
Speed and precision lie in the thorax of a cockroach. This houses the six long, legs and muscles needed to run fast and to climb. Wings are also on the thorax but not all cockroaches can fly with them. How a cockroach breathes is also housed in the thorax. Imagine the gills of a fish to picture how a cockroach gets air. The sides of the thorax are lined up and down with splits to allow for the respiratory system to function and play a big part in how a cockroach can live without its head. The thorax, or body, of a cockroach looks flat and can range in versions of brown and black colors.
Cockroach Abdomen
Vital for survival. A cockroach’s abdomen is at the bottom of the body. It is the narrow end of the what the cockroach looks like. This is where waste is removed and reproduction organs work to reproduce the cockroach life cycle. In females, this is where eggs will be formed and laid or carried around. The respiratory system expands to this area as well.