Easter Eggs
Title: Easter Eggs
Year: 2019
Description: This is the ootheca of an Australian cockroach on a floral organ. The female Australian cockroach searches for a suitable substrate with high humidity to attach the ootheca using secretions. It then bites the surrounding debris or part of the substrate to cover the outer layer of the ootheca, making it difficult for its natural enemies to discover it. This biting and covering process can take several hours. The ootheca measures 9-11 mm and has a hardened protective layer that covers the eggs. Gas exchange can be carried out through the ootheca, which also helps to reduce water loss. Within each ootheca are 22-24 eggs. When the nymphs are ready to hatch, they open the seam along the back and drill their way out.
Insect: Australian cockroach Periplaneta australasiae (Fabricius, 1775)
Order Blattodea
Family Blattidae
Introduction: The major characteristic of the Australian cockroach is an obvious white band at the base along the anterior edges of the forewings. They prefer to live around homes, such as in drainage ditches or near potted plants. They are able to enter the home through small openings and live in damp dark places such as water pipes, sinks, toilets, and cabinets. A female can lay 20-30 oothecae throughout its life. It is omnivorous and eats all kind of foods found in the home but prefers plant-based foods.
Photographed by: Zhang Jia-Hao; Let’s Explore Insects in the Home Team
