Yep, just when you thought there wasn’t anything more to know about cockroaches, along comes a new study. A recent study has now found an intriguing fact about the cockroach poop.
Scientist analysed cockroach faeces and discovered that around 40 different chemicals in the matter that may act as pheromones. Pheromones are a substance which is produced by an animal which can affect the behaviour of other animals. The importance of this finding is that once left behind; the cockroach faeces may then change the behaviour of other cockroaches. This, in turn, supports the theory that cockroaches may indeed use their faeces to communicate with each other.
As unusual as this sounds, there are many other facts that make cockroaches unique. Let’s take a look at some other interesting cockroach facts…
Cockroaches roamed the earth with the dinosaurs
Ancestors of modern roaches appeared in nature as early as 350 million years ago. The modern cockroach, however, first came about 200 million years ago. Meaning cockroaches were on the ground when dinosaurs were wandering around.
They can live for weeks without their heads
Studies have found that up to two weeks after a cockroach has had its head removed it will still respond to stimuli by wiggling its legs. This is due to the anatomy of cockroaches. They have an open circulatory system which means that if the wound clots they won’t bleed out. Furthermore, they breathe through spiracles along the sides of their body. And finally, they can survive weeks without eating. So what does this all mean? Pretty much that the head doesn’t really carry a vastly important function regarding staying alive. However, once it dehydrates and starves, the roach will eventually die.
Cockroaches actually like tight spaces
You know how cockroaches always appear out of tiny holes, leaving you wondering how they can even get in there? Well, cockroaches like being in confined spaces. They are thigmotropic which means they like feeling something solid in contact with their bodies. This is why they seek out cracks and crevices to squeeze into.
They are fast movers
Chances are you’ve made an attempt catch a roach but failed. Don’t feel bad; they are incredibly fast! The fastest speed recorded by a cockroach is 80 centimetres per second. The other fascinating thing is that they can sense changes in air currents which is when they usually tend to run away. That’s why whenever you get close to them they scurry away.
