Kingdom animalia
Phylum arthropod
Class Insecta
Order Blattaria
The animals belonging to the Blattaria order are popularly attended by the name of cockroaches. They are found in all parts of the planet, in different habitats, such as in the substrate of forests, aquatic environments, deserts and caves. Fossil records indicate that these insects were prevalent in the Carboniferous (200 to 350 million years ago), justifying why this period is often called "Age of Cockroaches” (in English, cockroaches are called cockroaches).
Around 1% of these animals, which corresponds to approximately 20 species, usually lives and reproduces in sewers, sewers, homes and establishments. Five of these species are found in these environments around the world. They are the Blatella germanica, Supella longipalpa, Periplaneta americana, P. australasiae and Blatta orientalis. These cockroaches are considered synanthropic, due to the close relationship they have with our species and can transmit the vast majority of diseases caused by bacteria, fungi and worms.
Their development, behavior, reproduction and longevity are directly related to the temperature to which they are exposed. In the case of american periplanet, at 30ºC, the development of embryos takes approximately 30 days, cockroaches reach the adult stage about 350 days after birth and can live approximately 600 days. Eggs develop externally to the female, in the ootheca, being found approximately 15 eggs inside.
This is one of the most common species of synanthropic cockroaches, being found in approximately 85% of inspections carried out in homes and commercial establishments. It can measure about 5 cm, is dark in color, in reddish tones and has wings. During the day, it usually shelters in damp and dark environments, such as sewer pipes, and at night it invades houses and establishments in search of food.
Considering that these animals reproduce and proliferate easily, their presence being directly related to the availability of shelter and food - although they can survive a month without food and seven days without drinking water – it is important to take responsibility for cleaning our house and its surroundings, removing debris, correctly storing garbage and sealing cracks and drains.
By Mariana Araguaia
Graduated in Biology
