Cockroaches settled around the globe, and during the course of evolution they easily adapted to various living conditions. We are annoyed by ginger Prusaks and black cockroaches, sometimes attacking our homes, but there are more terrifying views in the world. Together with thebiggest.ru we will go on a journey around the planet to find out which is the largest cockroach in the world.
Earth's largest cockroaches:
1
Madagascar hissing / Gromphadorhina portentosa
Madagascar hissing is the largest species of cockroaches living on the planet. This huge cockroach lives only on the island of Madagascar. You can meet him in other parts of the world only in aquariums as a pet.
The main color is brown, with dark segments along the edges of the body. The male has antennae. Madagascar endemic grows up to 10 cm in length. But mostly individuals of 6–7 cm are found. In the wild, life expectancy is 1–2 years, in captivity they live longer, sometimes surviving up to 5 years.
Hissing helps the male attract the female. Females hiss, too, but only in moments of danger. This feature is often used by filmmakers, voicing the unusual moments of hisses alarming moments of films.
By the way, on our site thebiggest.ru you can find out about the greatest long-livers of the animal world.
2
Australian Rhino Cockroach / Macropanesthia rhinoceros
They are considered the largest in the world of cockroaches. It grows to 8-10 cm, while reaching a weight of 35 g. His record and life expectancy is 10 years.
They live in upstate Queensland, preferring to settle in forests. It feeds on fallen leaves and dried herbs. A giant cockroach plays an important role in the ecosystem of this region of the planet. The color of the shields is dark brown with a reddish tint.
The Australian "rhino" is a magnificent digger, capable of digging a course up to 1 m in depth. Thus, he fully justifies his specific name. One female lays up to 30 eggs in one clutch. After birth, young individuals do not leave their mother for 9 months.
3
Great Forest Cockroach / Blaberus giganteus
In the moist tropical forests of South and Central America, you can find a large cockroach, which locals call a cave. A small population of this species lives in South Africa.
Some adults can grow up to 10 cm in length. They prefer to settle in caves, crevices of trees and rocks, in old abandoned hollows. They have a very flat body, so they can squeeze into the narrowest slots.
A rainforest inhabitant was discovered and entered into the scientific classification in 1831. This is a flying species whose wingspan in flight reaches 15 cm. Life expectancy depends on living conditions, but live on average 18–20 months.
4
Megaloblatta blaberoides
A large insect is one of four representatives of the large genus Megaloblatta. They live in the rainforests of Central and Latin America.
Found a view on the territory of Nicaragua in 1871. Large populations settled in neighboring Panama, as well as in Costa Rica and Colombia. Adult specimens reach a length of 7 cm. Females are slightly smaller than males. The elytra are much longer and wider than the trunk, which makes the insect look much larger.
The wings are brown in color, so it is very difficult to detect in fallen leaves. It flies superbly, thus escaping from natural enemies.
5
Megaloblatta longipennis
This cockroach hit the pages of the Guinness Book of Records as the largest flying cockroach. The body size reaches 7.5 cm, and the wingspan reaches 20 cm.
It lives, like its brethren, in the tropics of South America. It is found in Peru, Ecuador and Panama. It feeds on leaves. Moisture is needed for life, because often this tropical species settles near ponds and along river banks. But he prefers to live in trees.
The view was discovered and described in 1868. In history, the largest female of this species reached a length of 9.7 cm and a width of 4.5 cm. Cockroaches are disgusting anyway, and what to say when you meet such a flying wonder of nature.
6
American cockroach / Periplaneta americana
In the photo, a large mustachioed cockroach hails from Africa, but eventually spread throughout the planet. Around 1626, ships first came to North America, and then settled Europe.
They live both in residential and administrative buildings, and in the wild. Outwardly similar to the Prusak, but differs from it in large size. Males grow up to 5 cm. In a female, the length of the wings is equal to the length of the body, but in males they are slightly longer. The female lays eggs in shelters.
This species is omnivorous and is considered a dangerous pest. In Europe, they were first discovered in the ports of Spain. It was the Spaniards who gave the international name to cockroaches. Varieties have long been studied by scientists, and in 2008 they managed to decipher the genome of this unusual insect.
7
Black cockroach / Blatta orientalis
The synanthropic insect has long adapted to live in close connection with man and his dwelling. This is the largest representative among the domestic inhabitants. The population is declining sharply, as this species does not withstand competition with a more tenacious red cockroach.
The largest can grow up to 4 cm, but on average do not exceed 2-3 cm in length. They are found everywhere in Europe, Asia, North America. The question always arises of where the large cockroaches come from and how to get rid of the unwanted neighborhood.
There are several ways these insects get into the house. They can be brought from vacation, brought with fruit. They may appear from the sewer, or from a store located in your home. Most often they settle in the bathroom and in the kitchen, as they like moisture and leftover food. In order to withdraw, it is necessary to use funds in these corners of the apartment in order to remove and kill unwanted insects.
8
Chinese cockroaches and other representatives of Asia
Separately, we need to talk about China, since cockroaches are a special and profitable business here. In China, there are special farms for breeding these insects. So in the vastness of the Middle Kingdom you can find cockroach-like different sizes.
Asian cockroaches are sold in the markets of Chinese cities. In restaurants, tourists and local residents are offered cockroaches baked in sugar. This is a rather original and nutritious delicacy. Everyone knows that cockroach has three times more protein than chicken.
In Asia, you can find cockroaches everywhere. Tourists, for example, note that there are many of them in hotels in Bangkok. The Thai cockroach is slightly larger than the indoor Prussians and black cockroaches familiar to Russians.
9
Sea cockroach / Saduria entomon
We conclude our list with the inhabitants of the seas and oceans. He is also called a shutter. This unusual marine creature is found in the waters of the Pacific Ocean, in the Arctic Ocean, the Baltic Sea. The coast of Crimea has small populations imported from other regions.
Sea cockroach lives not only in the sea, but also in the lakes. A large number lives in the lakes of Northern Europe. They grow to a length of 9 cm. This is the largest crustacean in the Baltic. Their bodies are flat, usually gray or gray-brown.
It is a predator that feeds on benthic animals such as amphipods and Baltic poppy. These marine inhabitants are cannibals, eating their own kind. Do not disdain to eat and dead marine organisms.
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Conclusion
So we met with the largest representatives of the cockroach and found out how they look. Scientists began to study the customs and behavior of cockroaches relatively recently, but they have already found out interesting features. For example, domestic inhabitants exhibit collective behavior, and wildlife inmates adapt perfectly to environmental changes.
TheBiggest editors ask you to write in the comments your experience with these insects. What big cockroaches scare you, or maybe on the contrary, attract you?
Article author: Valery Skiba