Diagram of Cockroach

The diagram of a cockroach typically illustrates its external anatomy, showcasing features like the head, thorax, abdomen, legs, wings, and antennae. Cockroaches belong to the phylum “Arthropoda,” under the Animal Kingdom. Students learn the diagram of a cockroach in class 11 in the chapter ‘Structural Organization of Animals’ in NCERT.

The diagram of the cockroach labelled is given below:

Diagram of Cockroach

Structure of Cockroach

The diagram of cockroach shows the structure of cockroach. The external features of cockroach diagram show the following parts:

Head

• Head of cockroach consists of 3 important structures – antennae, compound eyes, and mouth organ.
  • Antennae – sensory organs. Sensory organs aiding navigation by detecting chemical signals and air movements.
  • Compound eyes – Provide a wide field of vision for detecting predators, threats, and food sources.
  • Mouthparts – consist of mandibles for chewing and maxillae for mixing food before ingesting.

Thorax

• The thorax is divided into three main segments, each has a pair of legs.
• Legs are joint appendages aiding swift movement and surface climbing.
• Thorax segments are: prothorax, mesothorax, and metathorax.
• Legs comprise segments like coxa, femur, tibia, and tarsus, with sensory hairs detecting touch and vibrations.

Abdomen

• The abdomen of a male and female cockroach has ten segments
• Spiracles – small openings located on the sides of the abdomen that allow the exchange of gases and help in facilitating respiration.

Difference Between Male and Female Cockroach

The difference between male and female cockroach is given below:

Features	Female cockroach	Male cockroach
Body Size	Larger in size as compared to males	Smaller in size as compared to females
Antennae	Shorter and thicker	Longer and slender
Wings	Wings are shorter, not extending beyond the thorax	Typically, longer extending beyond the abdomen
Abdomen	The tenth abdominal segment has an anal cerci that may have ovipositor for laying of eggs	The tenth abdominal segment has an anal style (sensory organs)
Reproductive organs	Possess ovaries that produce eggs	Possess testes for the production of male gamete

Internal Structures of Cockroach

The internal structure of cockroach has following components:

Diagram of Cockroach Digestive System

• The digestive system of a cockroach is composed of many organs, including the foregut, midgut, and hindgut.
• The foregut contains the mouth, mandible, oesophagus, and the crop.
• Crop is the organ where food is stored and is later digested.
• The midgut breaks down the food into smaller components and is associated with the absorption of nutrients.
• The hindgut processes waste materials and is responsible for the excretion of undigested food.

Digestive System of Cockroach

Diagram of Cockroach Respiratory System

• Cockroaches have a respiratory system, and they breathe through tracheae, which are branching tubes that deliver oxygen directly to cells.
• Air enters the body through spiracles that are located on the thorax and abdomen parts, and it later diffuses to the tracheal system.
• Tracheal tubes are extended throughout the body which helps supply oxygen to the tissues and helps in removing carbon dioxide.

Diagram of Cockroach Reproductive System

• Cockroaches exhibit sexual dimorphism with males typically possessing longer antennae and wings than females.
• Males have reproductive organs called testes, while females have ovaries.
• During mating, the male transfers sperm to the female reproductive organ through a structure called the aedeagus.

Diagram of Cockroach Circulatory System

• Cockroaches have an open circulatory system where the haemolymph or (blood) flows freely in the body cavity.
• A tubular heart pumps haemolymph through the arteries and into tiny spaces called sinuses, where it bathes the organs. Haemolymph returns to the heart through openings called ostia, and thus completing the circulatory cycle.

Diagram of Cockroach Nervous System

• The nervous system of a cockroach consists of a brain, ventral nerve cord, and ganglia located in each segment.
• The brain helps in processing sensory information and coordinates the insect’s movements and behaviours in response to the external stimulus.
• Nerve impulses travel along the ventral nerve cord thereby transmitting signals between the brain and other body parts for coordination.

Conclusion – Diagram of Cockroach

The diagram of cockroach helps us easily understand the internal and external structure of cockroach. By understanding the structure and diagram of cockroaches, we gain knowledge about its features that has shown persistent existence in this world. The labelled cockroach diagram is given at the top of this article.

FAQs on Diagram of Cockroach

What are the Three Main Segments of Cockroach?

Head, thorax and abdomen are the three main segments of a cockroach. The head has antennae, mouth parts and compound eyes while to thorax 3 pair of appendages are attached and abdomen is responsible for the digestive and reproductive functions.

How do Cockroaches Reproduce Based on their Morphology?

Cockroaches can reproduce sexually, when males transfers sperm to females through a specialized reproductive structures. Female cockroaches in turn produce egg cases called oothecae, which carries fertilized eggs. These eggs hatch into small nymphs, which later undergoes a series of stages before reaching adulthood.

How do Cockroaches Sense their Environment?

Antennae, present in the head segment of the cockroach are reponsible for sensing their surrounding environment. These antennae have sensory receptors that can detect chemicals signals, air currents, and vibrations, that help in navigation, finding food and mates.

What are the Specialized Features of Cockroach Mouthparts?

Mouthparts of a cockroach are responsible for feeding. They consist of mandibles for crushing and chewing food, maxillae for grinding, and labium helps in holding food during feeding process.

What is the Function of the Wings in Cockroaches?

Wings in a cockroaches serve the function of flight. They help cockroaches to escape from predators and search for food, and also to find mates. Few species of cockroaches have fully grown wings, while others have reduced wings, and it depends on their habitat and lifestyle.

What is Cockroach Scientific Name?

The scientific name for cockroach is Periplaneta americana, referring to the American cockroach, one of the most common species.