There really isn’t much difference between roaches and cockroaches, as they both refer to the same scavenging insect resembling a beetle and with long antennae and legs that are broad. They also have a flattened bodies.
Most of the different types of roaches have become household pests worldwide, but there are more than 4,600 different types of the common roach.
However, still, there are some distinguishing features between the Roaches and Cockroaches.
The Different Species
Cockroaches have more than 4,000 species and are found worldwide. More than 30 of them are associated with human habits. The common roach is the same and can weigh more than 30g. They have a reddish-brown color and can be as large as 1-3 inches in length.
The German cockroaches usually are the most common types of cockroaches although they are pretty small compared to the American cockroaches. These are light brown in color.
Their Anatomy
The bodies of roaches or the common roach have three main parts; the head, abdomen, and thorax. The thorax usually has three main parts as well, but the stomach of the roaches has ten different segments.
The third and second thoracic segments usually have wings, and the first pair of wings are known as tegmina and serve as the tough protective shield for the roaches. The hind wings however are used in flight.
Moreover, each of the thoracic segments is attached to a pair of legs, with the front legs shorter while the hind legs are longer.
The hind legs are used to provide some of the main propulsive forces for the common roach when it’s running.
The abdominal section of the roaches has a pair of spiracles that are used for respiration. There’s a tenth segment of the roaches that have a pair of anal styles, a pair of cerci, and external genitalia.
The exoskeleton contains calcium carbonate. And, the main function of the exoskeletal is to offer protection for the internal organs and provide a set of muscles as well. It also has a water-repellent and wax coating.
Their Behavior
Generally, roaches are nocturnal insects and some are even considered domestic pests. They are social and either live in aggregates or are gregarious. Their aggregations help them react to environmental cues and are governed by pheromones.
They also exhibit parent care too. On the other hand, cockroaches tend to be omnivores and fed on foodstuffs such as fruit, bread, paper, glue, leather, dead insects, etc.
Finally;
It’s good to note that both cockroaches and the common roach refer to the same insect. The cockroach has a flat and broad body with long legs and antennae, and they have dark to brown shades in colors.
The largest and the most common roach is the American roach that lives in damp environments.