Encyclopedia of Entomology

2005 Edition

Cockroaches (Blattodea)

Reference work entry
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/0-306-48380-7_929
How to cite

The cockroaches (also called roaches) are members of an ancient order of insects. The order name is derived from the Latin lord blatta, or cockroach. They are closely related to the praying mantids (Mantodea), and often are grouped with them to form the order Dictyoptera. Though the mantids evolved from the cockroaches, they are a specialized group of predatory insects that warrant individual recognition. The order name for cockroaches sometimes is given as Blattaria.

Classification

About 4000 species are found throughout most of the world, though most are mostly tropical. They usually are grouped into five families.

  • Class: Insecta

  • Order: Blattodea

  • Superfamily: Blattoidea

  • Family: Cryptocercidae

  • Family: Blattidae

  • Superfamily: Blaberoidea

  • Family: Polyphagidae

  • Family: Blattellidae

  • Family: Blaberidae

Characteristics

The cockroaches are small to large in size, measuring from about 2 mm to over 60 mm. They are flattened, oval, and often dark or reddish brown, though some are black or green....

This is a preview of subscription content, log in to check access.

References

  1. Arnett Jr. R. H. 2000. American insects (second edition). CRC Press, Boca Raton, Florida. 1003 pp.Google Scholar
  2. Cornwell, P. B. 1968. The cockroach, Volume 1. Hutchinson and Company, London. 391 pp.Google Scholar
  3. Fisk, F. W. 1987. Order Blattodea. Pages 120–131 in F. W. Stehr (ed.). Immature insects, Vol. 1. Kendall/Hunt Publishing, Dubuque, Iowa.Google Scholar
  4. Miller, D. M. and P. G. Koehler 1999. Least toxic methods of cockroach control. Florida Cooperative Extension Service Publication ENY-258.Google Scholar

Copyright information

© Springer 2004