The Laboratory Cockroach


Book Description

Cockroaches are ideal subjects for laboratory investigation at all educational levels. Compared with many other laboratory animals, cockroaches are easily and inexpensively maintained and cultured and require relatively little space. They are hardy and are readily available. The purpose of this book is to provide background material and experimental leads for utilizing cockroaches in the teaching laboratory and in designing research projects. The level of difficulty of the experiments varies according to the depth of understanding desi red by the instructor. In most cases at least a part of each experiment or technique can be incorporated into the laboratory component of elementary, high school or college curriculum. Sections of the lab book are appropriate for courses in Animal Behavior, Entomology, Organismic Biology and Insect Physiology. Aside from this main purpose, the book also provides a wealth of experimental ideas and techniques for a scientist at any level of education. Lawrence, Kansas June 15, 1981 W. J. B. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS. Virtually all graduate students who have worked on cockroach research in my laboratory have knowingly or unknowingly contributed to this book. The most important contribution was from Sandy Jones McPeak, who encouraged me to finish the project. Segments of various chapters were conceived, developed or reviewed by Michael D. Breed, Sandy Jones McPeak, Michael K. Rust, Coby Schal, Thomas R. Tobin, W. Alexander Hawkins, Gary R. Sams and Chris Parsons Sams.




The Cockroach (Periplaneta Americana, L.)


Book Description

The Cockroach covers the structure and physiology of the American cockroach, Periplaneta americana. This well-known insect is extensively used by research workers for insecticide testing and general experimental work. This book is composed of 12 chapters, and begins with a presentation of the classification, life history and development, and the external features of the American cockroach. These topics are followed by considerable chapters on the internal features of the insect, including its circulatory, nervous, reproductive, and muscular systems, sense organs, and excretion. A chapter presents some practical guidelines in the laboratory for observation, dissection, and drawing. The last chapter describes the parasites and predators of the American cockroach. Zoologists, entomologists, researchers, and entomology students will find this book rewarding.




Laboratory Cockroach


Book Description




Cockroaches


Book Description

The essential volume on the biology and behavior of these remarkable insects. “This transformative work will be an inspiration to students of entomology.” —Choice The cockroach is truly an evolutionary wonder. This definitive volume provides a complete overview of suborder Blattaria, highlighting the diversity of these amazing insects in their natural environments. Beginning with a foreword by Edward O. Wilson, the book explores the fascinating natural history and behavior of cockroaches, describing their various colors, sizes, and shapes, as well as how they move on land, in water, and through the air. In addition to habitat use, diet, reproduction, and behavior, Cockroaches covers aspects of cockroach biology, such as the relationship between cockroaches and microbes, termites as social cockroaches, and the ecological impact of the suborder. With over 100 illustrations, an expanded glossary, and an invaluable set of references, this work is destined to become the classic book on the Blattaria. Students and research entomologists can mine each chapter for new ideas, new perspectives, and new directions for future study. “Well-written . . . visually attractive . . . This book is much needed to educate biologists about the fascinating biology and diversity of cockroaches.” —Integrative and Comparative Biology “A must-have for any insect hobbyest.” —Allpet Roaches Forum “This contribution is an important source of information on cockroach natural history and diversity.” —The Quarterly Review of Biology “Suitable for researchers, students, and naturalists, chapters are topical, exploring the diversity of cockroaches.” —Southeastern Naturalist




Understanding and Controlling the German Cockroach


Book Description

The German cockroach is considered to be the most resilient and ecologically important insect pest found in homes, apartments, and commercial facilities in the United States and across the world. This book expertly provides up-to-the-minute information about the behavior and biology of this pest--including taxonomy, distribution, morphology, and genetics--as it may relate to effective technologies for its control. Building on information presented piecemeal in books and articles appearing over more than 50 years, the book features over 1,200 references related to the German cockroach, most published within the last year. With contributions from the top experts, the book will be invaluable to students and practitioners of entomology and pest management.




The Cockroach Papers


Book Description

Skittering figures of urban legend—and a ubiquitous reality—cockroaches are nearly as abhorred as they are ancient. Even as our efforts to exterminate them have developed into ever more complex forms of chemical warfare, roaches’ basic design of six legs, two hypersensitive antennae, and one set of voracious mandibles has persisted unchanged for millions of years. But as Richard Schweid shows in The Cockroach Papers, while some species of these evolutionary superstars do indeed plague our kitchens and restaurants, exacerbate our asthma, and carry disease, our belief in their total villainy is ultimately misplaced. Traveling from New York City to Louisiana, Mexico, Nicaragua, and Morocco, Schweid blends stories of his own squirm-inducing roach encounters with meticulous research to spin a tale both humorous and harrowing. As he investigates roaches’ more nefarious interactions with our species—particularly with those of us living at the margins of society—Schweid also explores their astonishing diversity, how they mate, what they’ll eat, and what we’ve written about them (from Kafka and Nelson Algren to archy and mehitabel). Knowledge soon turns into respect, and Schweid looks beyond his own fears to arrive at an uncomfortable truth: We humans are no more peaceful, tidy, or responsible about taking care of the Earth or each other than these tiny creatures that swarm in the dark corners of our minds, homes, and cereal boxes.




Cockroaches as Models for Neurobiology: Applications in Biomedical Research


Book Description

This unique book is written with the novice in mind, providing an introduction to all aspects of working with cockroaches. The focus of this writing is on the neuroendocrine system of cockroaches, which was collected by entomologists, primarily with the aim of improving methods of insect pest control. It includes some chapters devoted exclusively to techniques with detailed instructions. This comprehensive work also covers details of anatomy along with illustrations and experimental results. This is one of the few books available which provides such a broad coverage of areas of neurobiology of one organism. This handbook is a must for all researchers in the biomedical/veterinary field. Entomologists will find this reading exciting as well.




Cockroaches as Models for Neurobiology


Book Description

Cockroaches offer a useful and inexpensive alternative to traditional laboratory animals, yet most researchers are unfamiliar with their biology. This unique and comprehensive cockroach handbook is written for everyone from novice to expert. It addresses every aspect of cockroach biology, with a particular emphasis on the neuroendocrine system. Liberally illustrated chapters include such topics as cockroach culture, anatomy, behavior, and various experimental techniques. One of the few available books to provide broad coverage of the neurobiology of a single organism, this second volume is a must for all researchers in biomedical or veterinary fields, as well as for entomologists.




Biology and Management of the German Cockroach


Book Description

As a species, the German cockroach is one of the most widespread indoor urban pests worldwide. While numerous products have been developed to control their spread, German cockroaches continue to contaminate food, transmit disease and cause significant, long-term economic expense to homes, restaurants, hospitals and more. Biology and Management of the German Cockroach summarises the many advances in management technology, products, delivery systems, and basic and applied research over the past 25 years. Leading researchers explain why the German cockroach is a medically important pest and how its microbiome can provide new insights on cockroach physiology and potential novel targets for control. The authors also address the research from a practical standpoint, detailing why baits have replaced sprays as the primary method of control and how population genetic studies allow for better understanding of cockroach dispersal and population structure. Leading experts on integrated pest management (IPM) explore how studies on German cockroach control programs demonstrate the value and feasibility of IPM in urban environments. This book provides the reader with a comprehensive understanding of the German cockroach and will be a valuable reference for researchers, graduate students, pest management professionals, health workers and government agencies dealing with urban pests and pesticides.




Martina the Beautiful Cockroach


Book Description

The beautiful Martina Josefina Catalina Cucaracha doesn't know coffee beans about love and marriage, so when suitors come calling, what is she to do? Luckily, she has her Cuban family to help! While some of the Cucarachas offer Martina gifts to make her more attractive, only Abuela, her grandmother, gives her some useful advice: spill coffee on his shoes to see how he handles anger. At first, Martina is skeptical of her Abuela's suggestion, but when suitor after suitor fails the Coffee Test, she wonders if a little green cockroach can ever find true love. After reading this award-winning retelling of the Cuban folktale, readers will never look at a cockroach the same way again. Carmen Agra Deedy delivers a delightfully inventive Cuban twist on the beloved Martina folktale, complete with a dash of café Cubano.