NEW research shows that cockroaches have dramatically changed mating strategies which may create a terrifying new population of pests.
Groups of roaches have become “glucose averse” during the mating process meaning the mutants may now be able to avoid traditional pest-control strategies.
New research has shown that some cockroaches have dramatically changed their mating habits which might make the tougher to get rid of[/caption]
The German cockroach is one of the most popular pests in the world, and it looks like they won’t lose that title anytime soon.
Unfortunately, the creatures that are known for spreading bacteria and disease are now changing their diets to have more successful reproduction.
A new study from Dr Ayoko Wada-Katsumata and other entomology researchers found evidence that German cockroaches that avoid glucose have the best mating habits.
Scientists studied a group of female cockroaches at North Carolina State University to analyze roach-mating behavior, Salon reported.
Many female roaches in this population, which was secured from Florida, were dubbed glucose-averse.
Glucose is a simple sugar that is a huge source of energy for plant and animal life.
The glucose-averse females were very picky about who they let into the bedroom and turned away any interested males at first.
However, the males quickly recovered from their broken pride and adapted to the dominant female’s wishes.
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The studies showed that the most successful mating pairs were males and females who were both glucose averse.
And, based on the adaptation of the males to appease the females, it can be inferred that this trend could continue to spread in some populations.
So, why is the diet of cockroaches important?
While roaches can eat almost anything to stay alive, the pests traditionally were drawn toward options that were very high in glucose.
Exterminators are aware of this, and design poisons with high levels of glucose that can hide the fatal flavors.
The current methods for pest control might even be a catalyst for the new mutant roaches, as those attracted to glucose will die while those who are averse will live and reproduce.
Naturally, their genes will be passed down and this aversion may grow among developing populations.
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While this information may have you anticipating roach armageddon, it is important to note that we aren’t aware of how many cockroaches are currently glucose averse.
However, considering they can still live after being radiated to oblivion and decapitated, it’s best to accept the creepy insects aren’t going anywhere.
