Cockroaches are ubiquitous insects that arouse disgust and intolerance in most people. Yet, they are extremely resistant creatures with abilities that seem almost “superhuman” for such small beings. In this article, we will analyze in detail 11 surprising aspects that make cockroaches unique animals.
Let’s discover together some little-known facts about these insects.
Resistance to atomic experiments
One of the most shocking facts about cockroaches is their resistance to nuclear radiation . In the 1950s, when the first experiments with atomic bombs were being conducted, it was discovered that these insects often managed to survive the explosions, while most other living beings in the vicinity were exterminated.
Scientists later discovered that cockroaches can withstand radiation doses up to 100 times higher than many other animals . This incredible ability comes from their efficient DNA repair system, which allows them to quickly regenerate cells damaged by ionizing radiation.
They can move up to 4 km/h
Although they are perceived as “slow” animals, cockroaches are actually able to run at surprising speeds , reaching up to 4 km/h!
This speed allows them to quickly escape in case of danger and to skillfully evade predators. Thanks to their long legs, specially developed for running, cockroaches are anything but slow when they have to escape.
They can eat anything
Being omnivores, cockroaches are able to feed on an almost unlimited amount of substances, garbage, organic waste, paper, glue and much more.
Their ability to adapt from a nutritional point of view is astonishing : they are able to obtain nourishment from almost any material they ingest.
They can live a week without a head
Another rather surprising fact is that cockroaches can remain alive for several days even after being decapitated . Thanks to their decentralized nervous system, losing their head does not immediately equate to death.
The lack of oxygen to the brain slowly kills them over the course of a week or so, but in the meantime they continue to move and react to stimuli for several days, before succumbing to starvation. An almost supernatural resistance.
They carry their young like kangaroos
Female cockroaches have a special pouch on their abdomen, similar to the kangaroo pouch, where they keep their eggs and carry their newborn chicks.
This is an ingenious system that allows them to move around carrying their offspring, protecting them from impacts and predators. The little cockroaches remain in the mother’s pouch until the early stages of development .
Limb regrowth
If a cockroach accidentally loses one or more limbs during its life, they have the ability to regenerate them during the various subsequent moults . As they grow, the lost limbs grow back almost identical to before.
This is a process that allows them to fully recover from injuries and accidents, regenerating their legs and antennae almost perfectly. A characteristic shared with other arthropods but taken to the extreme.
They are considered a delicacy in some parts of the world.
Strange as it may seem, in countries like Thailand and other parts of Asia, cockroaches are regularly eaten and considered a real delicacy.
Especially the larvae are bred specifically to be cooked and served in local restaurants. Their taste is compared to that of shellfish and they are considered an excellent source of protein.
They can hold their breath for 7 minutes
Thanks to their particularly efficient metabolic systems, cockroaches are able to slow their oxygen consumption to minimal levels and survive in apnea for very long periods of time , up to 7 minutes in some species.
Normally they breathe through small holes in their sides, but when oxygen is scarce they can hold their breath, drastically slowing their metabolism, a disconcerting ability for an insect.
They can climb walls
Many people believe that cockroaches only walk on the floor, but they are excellent climbers and thanks to their sharp claws they can cling to and scale vertical walls without any problems.
They use the grip of their legs and friction to keep themselves steady and move forward even upside down, showing the skills of true tightrope walkers. A skill that few insects possess.
Newly mutated cockroaches are white
Immediately after molting, when their exoskeleton is still soft and not fully hardened, cockroaches appear pure white , almost translucent, with eyes like black dots.
As the hours pass, the exoskeleton becomes stronger and darkens, pigmenting, giving them their characteristic dark appearance. The first moments of a cockroach’s life are therefore very different from its adult appearance.
They can bite humans
Cockroaches are not normally dangerous to humans, but if threatened they can inflict painful bites using their powerful mandibles , designed to crush and chew food.
Cases of bites are rare, but cockroaches are physically capable of penetrating human skin with a bite, so it is best not to bother them.