Cockroaches Vs. Crickets are two of the most common household pests that can wreak havoc in your home. While both insects may look similar at first glance, they have distinct differences that set them apart. For one thing, cockroaches are known for their ability to survive almost anywhere, while crickets prefer warm and moist environments. One significant difference between these two pests is their diet. Cockroaches are notorious for being omnivorous and eating almost anything, from leftover food scraps to glue on envelopes. Crickets, conversely, are herbivores that feed primarily on plants and vegetation.
What Do Crickets Look Like?
Crickets are insects that belong to the order Orthoptera. They are known for their chirping sound, which they produce by rubbing their wings together. The sound is typically heard in the evening and at night, making them a regular part of summer evenings. You may be interested in this post also: Do Cockroaches Feel Pain?
So what do crickets look like? Crickets are usually around 1 inch long and have six legs. Their bodies are flat, and they have large hind legs for jumping. They also have two pairs of wings: the front wings are tough and leathery, while the back wings are membranous.
Crickets come in various colours: brown, black, green, or yellowish-brown. Some species may even have stripes or spots on their bodies. Additionally, some male crickets may have more giant antennae than females as they use them to locate mates through pheromones released by female crickets.
What Do Cockroaches Look Like?
Cockroaches are one of the most common household pests. They are known for their resilience and ability to survive extreme conditions. But what do cockroaches look like? Before you can start dealing with these pesky bugs, it is essential to be able to identify them.
Cockroaches have flat, oval-shaped bodies, usually brown or black. They have six legs and two antennae that are longer than their bodies. Depending on the species, cockroaches range from about 0.5 inches to 3 inches long.
One distinguishing feature of cockroaches is their wings. Some species have fully developed wings, while others have only wing pads or no wings. Their wings are located on the top of their body and overlap when not in use, making them difficult to see unless they are in flight or disturbed.
Differences Between Cockroaches And Crickets
- Size
- Colour
- Feeding
- Aggressiveness
- Size
Size plays a crucial role in differentiating between cockroaches and crickets. Cockroaches are notoriously known for being more significant than crickets, which makes them easier to spot and identify. Cockroaches can grow up to three inches long, while crickets only reach about an inch long. This significant size difference is what sets these two insects apart from each other.
Cockroaches also have a broader body structure compared to the slim build of crickets. The wingspan of both insects also differs considerably. Crickets have long wings that they use to produce their distinctive chirping sound, while cockroaches’ wings are shorter and don’t produce any sound when flapped. Another difference in size is the number of legs each insect has.
- Colour
Colour plays a vital role in distinguishing between different species of insects. It is especially true for cockroaches and crickets, two common household pests that can be easily mistaken for each other. One of the main differences between these two insects is their colouration. Cockroaches are typically brown or black, while crickets have a more varied range of colours, including green, brown, and even pink.
Aside from colouration, cockroaches and crickets also differ in their physical characteristics. Cockroaches have a flattened body shape with long antennae and spiny legs. They are well-known for their ability to scuttle quickly across surfaces and hide away in tight spaces. In contrast, crickets have cylindrical bodies with long hind legs adapted for jumping and chirping.
- Feeding
Feeding is crucial to keeping any pet, especially for exotic creatures such as cockroaches and crickets. While both bugs might appear similar, their dietary needs differ significantly. Although these two insects are not the most conventional pets, they are becoming increasingly popular among pet owners.
Cockroaches are omnivores and will eat almost anything that comes their way. They feed on fruits, vegetables, grains, meat scraps, and even cardboard or paper products. However, it’s essential to note that feeding them leftovers from your kitchen may expose them to harmful chemicals such as pesticides and herbicides. Therefore it’s recommended to stick with commercial insect foods specially formulated for cockroaches.
- Aggressiveness
Aggressiveness is a crucial factor in determining the difference between cockroaches and crickets. Cockroaches are known for their aggressive behaviour, which allows them to survive in harsh environments. On the other hand, crickets tend to be more passive and rely on camouflage to avoid predators.
Cockroaches have a hard exoskeleton that protects them from external threats, making them more damage-resistant than crickets. Their aggressive nature also allows them to fight off predators such as spiders or ants. In contrast, crickets are soft-bodied insects that do not have a protective shell like the cockroach.
Despite being less aggressive than cockroaches, some crickets exhibit aggressive behaviour towards their kind during mating season. During this period, male crickets will fight each other to establish dominance and mate with females.