There are a few animals/creatures on this planet that I have wondered why they are here - e.g mosquitoes, and then why they are ‘designed’ the way they are e.g cockroaches
I do wonder about human beings but that’s a totally different blog…
Cockroaches came up as there was one in my kitchen as I walked through into the bathroom, on its back surrounded by ants. I assumed it was dead and then I pushed it and OMG it moved. They freak me out a bit, not my most favourite creature - it’s their unpredictability….
Anyone - what to do with it.. I took the horrible and easy option and got the bug spray from under the sink and sprayed and sprayed in the hope that the more I sprayed the quicker its death. It convulsed and I walked away, it was dead when I went back a few minutes later and scooped it into the bin.
I could have scooped it into a dust pan - but I chose the spray….
2 days later, there’s a cockroach on its back, quite still. Now is it dead or alive? I prodded it and ah alive. I got the dust pan, scooped it up and took it outside - apologising that I had killed one of its kind the other day. (might sound odd but I really dislike purposefully killing creatures)…
I put it on the wall near the bushes hoping it would land on its feet. Nope on its back!!! I tried to turn it - nope. So I gently blew it into the bushes and hoped it turned as it fell…
Now you might be wondering what the point is….
Well my question is - how daft a creature that as soon as it gets on its back its doomed!?? What’s that about?
Is it to give its legs a rest? Get a core workout? See the world from a different view? Or an evolution cock up (cock roach - get it?). Nature creating something that becomes helpless as soon as it is the wrong way up… And how do they get on their back anyway? Or do they go on their back because they are dying?
Nature is AMAZING - I love it and the wacky creatures that are on this phenomenal planet, and many that we don’t know about.
Hopefully we keep all that are here going, human beings seem so good at destroying other species for no gain.
In future I’ll do my utmost to be nice to cockroaches - unless it’s in my bedroom and then no no no….
Now as for mosquitoes…..
I googled and here's some facts for you, guess they are pretty good creatures after all....
Geeky Cockroach Facts
• Cockroaches are insects of the order Blattaria.
• There are about 4,000 to 5,000 species of cockroaches, 30 of which are considered pests by humans.
• Cockroaches can run up to 3km/hr or 0.8 m/s.
• They recognise their family and relatives by their distinctive odours.
• They are nocturnal and omnivorous.
• They don't easily drown and may even last for 30 minutes (or more) underwater, they can hold their breath for up to 40 minutes!
• Most species live in the tropics (like the Philippines).
• They love glue. It might be their favourite food - HOW COME IT DOESN’T STICK THEM TOGETHER??
• Most American cockroaches are immigrants - LOL
• They can survive decapitation. Even after separation, both the body and the head will still respond to stimulus and both the antenna and the legs might wiggle. However, the head's movement will only last for a few hours while a body may last up to several weeks.
• Cockroaches can survive without food for a month but will only last 1-2 weeks without water.
• Cockroaches have six hairy legs, and the hairs provide them a sense of touch.
• Some female cockroaches mate only once and become pregnant for the rest of their lives - WTF!!!
• Cockroaches can basically eat everything due to the presence of various bacteria and protozoa in their digestive system.
Why Do Cockroaches Die on Their Backs?
Their bulky bodies are composed of three heavy body segments which are only supported by six long, thin legs. As they die they lose muscle control, causing the leg muscles to contract. As a result, the legs are pulled beneath the body, causing them to lose their balance and topple over onto their backs. This also explains why cockroaches on the wall fall off when they get sprayed with insecticides.
Do they always flip over?
No. A cockroach might die without toppling over, but it happens most of the time.
The Ecological Importance of Cockroaches
Cockroaches play a vital role in the process of decomposition which is an essential part of the ecosystem. Through them water, nutrients, and energy is able to be recycled back into the ecosystem from decaying plants, animals, and organic matter. Through this process, cockroaches tend to fortify the soil with nutrients that plants need (Paige, 1998). Without them, the cycle might be impaired and their eradication could end up damaging the entire ecosystem we live in.
They play an important part in the food chain and might also participate in pollination.
The Medical Contributions of Cockroaches
Cockroaches were historically ground up, boiled, and used as medicines used to treat asthma, strokes, bronchitis, and problems with urinary retention. Some even made and drank boiled cockroach tea (can you imagine that?) to treat various ailments. There is no evidence that cockroaches can successfully treat these complaints, but there is no proof that they don't, either. No significant studies have been performed, although one study discovered that cockroach brains might have antibiotic properties, which might lead to new treatments for bacterial infections, and even some recent books wonder if cockroaches might someday play a part in the field of dermatology (and possibly other fields, as well).
Although their use as medicine has yet to be fully explored, they are used for medical experiments and provide benefits in the field of medical research especially in identifying the effects of chemical and various radiation on nerves.
From : https://dengarden.com/pest-control/Why-Do-Cockroaches-Topple-Over-When-They-Die