The Biotic Associations of CockroachesRoth, Louis M. (Louis Marcus)
Science
The Biotic Associations of Cockroaches
Roth, Louis M. (Louis Marcus)
Cockroaches; Insects -- Ecology
Our understanding of most predator-prey and parasite-host relationships
has barely progressed beyond the taxonomic stage. The total effect of
predators and parasites in limiting natural populations of cockroaches
remains to be determined. It is still not known how, for example,
predatory or parasitic wasps select specific cockroaches from among all
other insects. Secretions produced by certain cockroaches (e.g.,
2-hexenal by _Eurycotis floridana_) will ward off certain predators. The
identities and biological activities of most cockroach secretions are
unknown, but the use of protective chemicals against predators may be
widespread among cockroaches. If so, how effective are these repellents
in protecting the individual or the species? It is not known whether
cockroaches are protected by apparent mimetic resemblances to other
arthropods. There is no experimental proof that insect parasites can
successfully attack the eggs of cockroaches that incubate their eggs
while they are being carried by the female.
It is conceivable that biological control of cockroaches might be
achieved in limited areas such as man-made structures or sewers, but
this possibility has not been thoroughly explored. It would be
informative to know what effects, if any, organisms such as bacteria,
Protozoa (e.g., gregarines), intestinal nematodes, or other helminths
have on cockroaches. Possibly pathogenic microorganisms can be used for
biological control of cockroaches; this approach seems to have been
little explored.
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