While many associate cockroaches with crawling, some species are capable of flight. This often-misunderstood ability sparks curiosity about which species can fly and why they take to the air.
The Reality of Cockroach Flight
Not all of the over 4,000 cockroach species worldwide can fly, and even among those with wings, flight ability varies significantly. The American cockroach (Periplaneta americana) is one of the most well-known species capable of flight, though it often glides short distances rather than engaging in sustained flight. This species, reaching 1-2 inches in length, has reddish-brown bodies and large wings covering its abdomen. The Asian cockroach (Blattella asahinai), which closely resembles the German cockroach, is also a competent flier and is particularly attracted to light sources. Other species with notable flight capabilities include the smokybrown cockroach and certain wood cockroaches.
Flight capability can also depend on the cockroach’s sex. For instance, while both male and female brown-banded cockroaches possess wings, only the males typically fly, as females have shorter, stockier bodies with smaller wings. Similarly, male wood cockroaches are strong fliers, while females have reduced wings that limit their flight. Conversely, species like the German cockroach and Oriental cockroach rarely or never fly, even if they possess wings, often due to underdeveloped wing structures or a preference for crawling.
The Purpose Behind Their Flights
When certain cockroaches take flight, it is typically for specific, short-burst purposes, not long-distance travel. One primary motivation is escaping perceived threats or predators, serving as a quick panic response when running is not sufficient. Flight can also be a directed behavior, such as seeking new food sources, especially those located in high places like shelves or countertops. Some male cockroaches use flight during mating season to locate or attract mates, often by detecting pheromones.
Environmental factors also play a role; warm and humid conditions, particularly temperatures exceeding 85°F, can encourage flying behavior. As cold-blooded insects, cockroaches may fly to seek cooler areas.
Understanding Cockroach Locomotion
Cockroaches possess two pairs of wings, but only one pair is primarily used for flight. The forewings, or tegmina, are thick and leathery, acting as protective covers for the delicate hindwings underneath. These hindwings are thin, membranous, and transparent, and are responsible for generating lift and propulsion during flight. When preparing to fly, the cockroach lifts its forewings to expose the hindwings.
Even for species capable of flight, their aerial movement is often described as clumsy, erratic, or more akin to gliding than sustained, agile flight. They tend to use their wings for short bursts or to stabilize a descent from a high point rather than for prolonged aerial navigation. This is partly because their wing muscles are less powerful than their leg muscles, making running a more efficient and preferred mode of movement for many species. Asian cockroaches, however, are known to be stronger fliers, capable of flying up to 120 feet at a time.