It seems like the most common insect species that exist in the world is the cockroach. We encounter these as they crawl out of hidden dark spots within our homes, bathrooms, kitchens, even our bedrooms (shudder).
Their reproduction capabilities are no mystery as they seem to multiply by the minute. This raises one major question: How many cockroaches are in the world?
- There are approximately 4,500 cockroach species in the world.
- 30 of the total species are associated with human habitats.
- Because cockroaches reproduce so fast and they are so widespread, it is impossible to accurately calculate the number of roaches on Earth at any given time.
Interestingly, cockroaches are some of the most successful species that currently exist. They are also one of the most common pests that creep through our spaces and tend to disrupt our lives with their deep brown bodies and spiky legs.
Cockroaches Across the World
These cockroaches have managed to take over the world by evolving their behavior with time to ensure long-term survival. The first-ever American invasion by these sneaky pets was in 1625 as they migrated from Africa to America, and they have managed to expand massively since then.
As we study the cockroach species, it is important to note that there is a discovery every few years.
Recently a new species was detected within New York City, a specie with an enhanced cold tolerance. Therefore, unlike common cockroach species that prefer to stay in warm, wet, and dark areas, this specie can survive in cold climates!
Oh great.
The Four Main Cockroach Species
This chaotic insect comes in over 4,500 species in the world. Out of these 4,500, however, only 30 species are considered household pests we commonly encounter.
And among those thirty, a further deduction study shows that four out of these thirty species take the lead in creating absolute chaos. These include the American, the German, the Australian, and the Oriental cockroaches.
Despite the origin of these species, America inhabits all four of them. Among these, the German cockroaches tend to be present in abundance. However, the true fear comes from the American cockroaches, which are large-sized pest specie.
The Australian cockroaches came from Asia and closely resembled the American cockroach specie, with a slightly smaller size. However, their ability to hang from your home’s ceiling or hurriedly fly towards you remains the same as the frustrating American cockroach.
However, don’t let the size fool you! The Oriental cockroaches are the smallest within the cockroach specie yet may be the most threatening due to their frequent visits to the sewer. These carry major health threats as they tend to reside in the dirtiest places and carry the most bacteria.
Cockroaches Spreading Their Wings
It’s no mystery that cockroaches are a widely prevalent specie and operate on the element of surprise through their mere existence.
Imagine this: casually lounging on your comfortable couch and spot a cockroach running through your kitchen, or witness one in your bathroom as it runs towards you to startle you.
The situation happens everywhere as these pests habitually sneak into our precious homes and set up camp in hard-to-find spots.
However, beyond existing as household pests, these cockroaches reside in other environments such as subtropics and tropics.
Additionally, despite their preference for staying in warm climates, many of the cockroach species can tolerate incredibly low temperatures and, therefore, can safely reside within the Arctic.
Despite their preference for staying in warm climates, many of the cockroach species can tolerate incredibly low temperatures and, therefore, can safely reside within the Arctic.
Interestingly, numerous cockroach species can survive temperatures as low as -122 degrees Celsius. The distribution of these species occurs in such a way that 50 of them are divided into five families throughout North America.
On the other hand, 450 cockroach species reside in Australia. This leaves hardly four species that are immensely widespread worldwide and considered pests.
Which Habitats Do Roaches Prefer?
These creepy crawlies inhabit a wide variety of habitats. Interestingly, numerous roaches reside among leaf little, creeping out of the stems of matted vegetation, rotten wood, various hole stumps, bank cavities, debris, and piles of logs.
On the other hand, some of these reside in arid areas and have adapted to the environment wonderfully. This specie can survive without accessing much water. On the other hand, some are immensely dependent on water bodies and remain within their vicinity.
On the other hand, some are immensely dependent on water bodies and remain within their vicinity.
Some of the cockroach species reside within forest canopies, existing as one of the main kinds of invertebrates. These cockroaches may hide among dead leaves, in crevices, or in various insect or bird nests during the day and re-appear at nighttime to feed.
And of course there are the species that are happy to reside among humans. They live in buildings, around urban areas, and among human waste products. There are some estimates that in parts of the country, there are over 30,000 cockroaches per building.
The Evolution of Cockroaches
If you’ve come this far, you already know that there are thousands of species of cockroaches, and they continue to reproduce and evolve as time goes on. Their evolution is fascinating as they continue to adapt in ways that increase their likelihood of survival.
Many species have evolved to exist in cold climates, while others have survived without any water sources nearby. Similarly, many of these cockroach species have adapted to living near water bodies while others stay immersed in dark forests.
On the other hand, these species practice intelligence and have adopted the defense mechanism of chasing after humans after taking note of their fear and disgust response to their existence.
Cockroaches live for about one year, and each female can have 300-500 babies during that time.
How Many Cockroaches Are In The World?
It’s impossible to give an accurate estimate of the true number of roaches across the world because they reproduce so fast and are in such varied locations across the world.
Cockroaches have managed to take over large parts of the world. It is safe to assume that these creatures are here to stay and do not plan to jump on the extinction bandwagon any time soon! They’ll still be around after humans are gone.
