How Many Legs Does A Cockroach Have?

Need to get rid of cockroaches? Read on to learn the answers to all of your important questions. Need help? Call our professionals today to get started.

Cockroach Anatomy

There are more than 4,500 cockroach species on Earth, with about 55 of these species living in North America. They are part of the order Blattodea which also includes termites. Cockroaches have existed for around 350 million years and have proven to be robust and agile, capable of adapting to any climate and environment in order to survive.   

The majority of species of cockroach are about the size of a penny, but some adult cockroaches can reach several inches in length. Cockroaches have a proportionately small head and a wide, flattened body. While cockroaches come in many different colors, most are reddish-brown to dark brown. Cockroach bodies are divided into a thorax containing three separate segments, and an abdomen containing ten segments. These cockroach bodies are encased in a tough exoskeleton which is coated in wax to repel water. Cockroaches have two sets of wings: the first is tough and protective to shield the membranous hind wings which are used for flight. 

How Many Eyes Does A Cockroach Have?

Cockroaches have large compound eyes, meaning they are comprised of many separate visual units that act in conjunction with one another. They also have two ocelli, which are eyes that contain a single lense without a retina. Cockroaches are equipped with these two sets of eyes, one simple and one complex, to help them navigate their world: the smaller, simple eyes (ocelli) distinguish dark from light, while the larger complex (compound) eyes wrap around the head, allowing them to view their entire surroundings so as to be as vigilant as possible against possible threats. 

How Many Legs Does A Cockroach Have?

Cockroaches, like all other insects of the order Blattodea, have 6 legs. These 6 legs come in pairs with each pair connected to a segment of the thorax. A cockroach’s back legs are longer than its front legs, giving it the propulsion necessary to run quickly.  

The 3 pairs of legs on a cockroach are strong and durable, and include rows of spines on each leg. Initially thought to act as sensory input mechanisms, it is now believed that these spines help cockroaches navigate uneven and difficult terrain. These spines, along with tarsal pads on their legs, dislodge and pick up various particles including fecal matter, pathogens and even pesticides. 

Producers of certain insecticides had this in mind when they created insecticide dust or powders. The idea is that these spines would pick up the pesticides and then the roaches would poison themselves as they ingest the insecticide while cleaning themselves. The effectiveness of this method, however, depends entirely on different environmental elements of your infestation, as well as the species of cockroach infesting your home. 

To truly ensure that you are using the best cockroach control methods for your specific cockroach infestation, contact a pest control specialist who can understand which method will be most effective for you.

Find A Pest Specialist For Cockroach Control

If you are concerned about cockroach control for your home, please give us a call or fill out the form on this page. PestControlExperts.com is a team of experts who are highly qualified to provide the best recommendations for you and your home, no matter which part of the United States you live in.