#order blattodea

When you think of animals, think of this cockroach, Diploptera punctata. The Pacific beetle cockroach is found in Australia, China, India, and many of the Pacific islands. This is one of the few cockroach species which gives live birth. They even nourish their young with a crystaline milk-like substance which is being studied for its food supplemental properties for humans and other animals.

When you think of animals, think of this roach, Therea petiveriana. The seven-spotted cockroach is native to southern India where it is active near dawn and dusk. Its pattern is thought to be a mimic of the aggressive six-spot ground beetle. Eggs are laid in leaf litter, and nymphs live underground. These roaches are kept as pets in some parts of the world.

When you think of animals, think of these termites, Reticulitermes flavipes. The eastern subterranean termite is the most common species in North America. They live in large colonies, from as few as 20,000 workers to as many as 5 million. Swarming to form new colonies generally happens between February and April. These insects are vital to forests, where they break down organic matter, especially fallen trees and branches. They do pose problems in built up areas, however, as they don’t distinguish between fallen trees and structural timbers for a house. While this does make them a pest, their benefits may outweigh their pest status.