BLATTOIDEA: COCKROACHES
Definition
- Body flattened from on top: front of thorax extends over largely hidden head. Antennae long and thread-like. Fast running legs.
- Front pair of wings leathery, folding over each other along the back, covering membranous hind wings.
- Terrestrial.
- Jaws of the biting and chewing type.
- Eggs laid in purses (oochthecae)
What they do & where they live
- They live in hot sunny places among low vegetation, scavenging on decaying plants and predating on tiny animals where possible.
- Our native species live in the countryside. They are very localised within southern Britain in heathy woods, chalk grassland and sunny cliffs.
Number of species
- In Britain 3 native species. About 4 accidentally introduced species have established in hot houses or other types of warm buildings.
- The world fauna is 3,700 species.
It's amazing The accidentally introduced species which are a pest if they invade buildings include some large unpleasant-looking species. The native species are small, harmless and much more friendly-looking.
