Here's a list of the coolest (in my opinion) roaches that I have ever heard of. Most of the roaches on here are readily available and can be kept as pets.
10. Gromphadorhina portentosa
-Also known as the Madagascan Hissing Cockroach, this species forces air out of its spiracles to make a short hissing sound. A species of harmless mite lives on these roaches and emerges to share food with its host.
9. Panchlora nivea
-Despite its common name, the green banana roach, this insect does not live on or near banana fruits. In fact, it lives in groups underneath logs. It is a very skilled flier.
8. Cryptocercus sp.
-This cockroach is the missing link between cockroaches and termites. The adults often resemble small Hissing Cockroaches. The adults exhibit parental care and feed their young fecal secretions (which contains a gut bacteria necessary for wood digestion). Young nymphs of this genus resemble termites.
7. Zootermopsis angusticollis
-This termite (which is a eusocial variety of cockroach) is one of the largest in North America. It is widespread in the western areas of the United States. The adults have prominent cerci.
6. Nasutitermes sp.
-This is the army ant equivalent of the termite world. It travels in enormous trails, with soldiers guarding the edges and workers moving in the center. They strip bark and other cellulose materials off of plants and trees. The soldiers can shoot defensive chemicals from their "rhinoceros horn".
5. Diploptera punctata
-This cockroach is widespread in the Pacific. It is an excellent climber, and gives birth to fairly large young. They can spray a defensive chemical from their knees. This defense mechanism is useful for protection against ants, which tend to go for the legs.
4. Archiblatta sp.
-The physical connection between cockroaches and termites are clear in this species. Even though termites did not evolve from close relatives of Archiblatta, Archiblatta has termite-like wings and high, moth-like shoulders. This roach has a very primitive appearance. This species fares very poorly in captivity.
3. Therea sp.
-This genus of roaches mimics a large species of ground beetle. Its colorful appearance and slow movements make it an ideal pet.
2. Simandoa conserfariam
-This cave roach went extinct in the wild when its cave was collapsed by bauxite mining activity. It still is commonly bred in captivity, which is its only hope of survival.
1. Mastotermes darwiniensis
-This termite is thought to be one of the most primitive extant species. It has prominent cerci, and its reproductives resemble cockroaches with very long wings. Its eggs and wings have the same structures as roach eggs and wings.
Edited by Connectimyrmex, December 12 2017 - 12:53 PM.
