Giant burrowing cockroach
Encyclopedia
The giant burrowing cockroach
(Macropanesthia rhinoceros) is also known as the rhinoceros cockroach and litter bug (the latter name may be misleading, as cockroaches are not true bugs). They are native to Australia
and mostly found in tropical parts of Queensland
. They are the world's heaviest species of cockroach
(although Blaberus giganteus
is the longest) and can weigh up to 35 g (1.2 oz) and measure up to 80 mm (3.1 in) in length. They can live for up to 10 years. Unlike some other cockroaches, they do not have wings and are not considered pests. The cockroach plays a vital part in the ecosystem by consuming dead leaves, eucalyptus in particular, and recycling other matter. True to their name, they may burrow down in soil to a depth of about 1 metres (3.3 ft) where they make a permanent home. Males and females can be differentiated by the "scoop" on the head; the male has the scoop and the female does not. They grow by shedding their outer shell 12 or 13 times before the cockroach reaches full size. When a cockroach moult
s it will appear pure white except for the eyes. The species is ovoviviparous.
Cockroach
Cockroaches are insects of the order Blattaria or Blattodea, of which about 30 species out of 4,500 total are associated with human habitations...
(Macropanesthia rhinoceros) is also known as the rhinoceros cockroach and litter bug (the latter name may be misleading, as cockroaches are not true bugs). They are native to Australia
Australia
Australia , officially the Commonwealth of Australia, is a country in the Southern Hemisphere comprising the mainland of the Australian continent, the island of Tasmania, and numerous smaller islands in the Indian and Pacific Oceans. It is the world's sixth-largest country by total area...
and mostly found in tropical parts of Queensland
Queensland
Queensland is a state of Australia, occupying the north-eastern section of the mainland continent. It is bordered by the Northern Territory, South Australia and New South Wales to the west, south-west and south respectively. To the east, Queensland is bordered by the Coral Sea and Pacific Ocean...
. They are the world's heaviest species of cockroach
Cockroach
Cockroaches are insects of the order Blattaria or Blattodea, of which about 30 species out of 4,500 total are associated with human habitations...
(although Blaberus giganteus
Blaberus giganteus
Blaberus giganteus, the giant cockroach, is one of the world's largest cockroaches, potentially longer than the giant burrowing cockroach, though not as heavy. Their length can reach ....
is the longest) and can weigh up to 35 g (1.2 oz) and measure up to 80 mm (3.1 in) in length. They can live for up to 10 years. Unlike some other cockroaches, they do not have wings and are not considered pests. The cockroach plays a vital part in the ecosystem by consuming dead leaves, eucalyptus in particular, and recycling other matter. True to their name, they may burrow down in soil to a depth of about 1 metres (3.3 ft) where they make a permanent home. Males and females can be differentiated by the "scoop" on the head; the male has the scoop and the female does not. They grow by shedding their outer shell 12 or 13 times before the cockroach reaches full size. When a cockroach moult
Moult
In biology, moulting or molting , also known as sloughing, shedding, or for some species, ecdysis, is the manner in which an animal routinely casts off a part of its body , either at specific times of year, or at specific points in its life cycle.Moulting can involve the epidermis , pelage...
s it will appear pure white except for the eyes. The species is ovoviviparous.