Part 2
Thirsty Critters
Roaches can live without food for a month, but will only survive a week without water.
When Cold, Roaches Snuggle
Most species of roaches live in the tropics. But roaches live all over the world, including
the North and South Poles. Pest cockroaches can withstand temperatures as cold as 32°F
(0°C), but will die if the temperature goes much below that. In extremely cold places,
however, they survive by moving in with humans. (Hey, quit hogging the covers!)
Better Than Air Jordans!
Cockroaches can climb walls because they are equipped with a set of little claws on their feet
designed for that very purpose.
Crushed-Roach Bandages?
Crushed cockroaches can be applied to a stinging wound to help relieve the pain.
Smell You Later
Sniff, sniff...oh, it's just Uncle Leo. Roaches use their feelers, or antennae, as noses.
Their sense of smell is so great, they recognize family and friends by their distinctive odors.
Roach Perfume
Female roaches attract male roaches by producing pheromones. Pheromones are chemicals that
make the female roach smell REALLY good to the male roach.
Alright Kids, Beat It!
Some female cockroaches incubate their egg cases in their bodies until they are ready to
hatch. These babies stay with their mothers a day or two after they are born.
Yuck!
Male cockroaches transfer sperm to females in a "gift-wrapped" package called a spermatophore.
Some males cover the package in a protein-rich wrapping that the female can eat to obtain nutrients
to raise her young. Delicious!
Click here to return to Facts, Part I.
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