Handbook of Nature-Study · Lesson LXXXIII · Topic 11: Grasshoppers, crickets and cockroaches
83. The cockroach optional
Goal: Your child can explain how a cockroach's flat, shiny body and long antennæ suit a life in cracks, and how it keeps itself clean.
You'll need
- A log, board or loose bark in the woods to look under
- A clear container with a lid (if you find one indoors)
- A hand lens (magnifying glass)
- A nature notebook and a pencil (colored pencils if you have them)
What's in the book
Comstock's story of the cockroach: how its flat, slippery, polished body slides under things and into cracks, its long feelers, and the native kinds that live in woods. Then Lesson LXXXIII's leading thought, method and seven questions.
The lesson, step by step
When and where
Warm months. Native wood cockroaches live under logs, loose bark and stones in the woods; Comstock says American species "only occasionally venture into dwellings." Roll a log toward you and put it back.
Safety first
Comstock passes a cockroach around in a vial. Indoor cockroaches carry germs, so don't touch them: look at one through a closed clear container, or use the book's picture. Wash hands with soap and water afterward.
Keep the big idea in mind
Comstock's "leading thought" is the one idea the lesson is meant to lead to. Read it to yourself now, and save it to share at the end, after your child has looked and answered:
The cockroach is adapted for living in crevices, and although its haunts may be anything but clean, the cockroach keeps itself quite clean. The American species live in fields and woods and under stones and sticks and only occasionally venture into dwellings. The species that infest our kitchens and water-pipes are European.
Flat and shiny
What is the general shape of the cockroach? Why is this an advantage? What is the texture of its covering? Why is this an advantage?
Describe the antennæ and the way they are used.
A closer look
Note the eyes. Are they as large and prominent as those of the bees or butterflies?
Note two little organs at the end of the body? These are the cerci, like those of the crickets.
Note how the cockroach cleans itself and how completely and carefully this act is performed.
Put it into words
Ask your child why a cockroach is hard to catch and good at hiding. Then read the leading thought aloud.
Comstock's last question asks how to get rid of cockroaches in the kitchen. Talk about keeping food sealed and crumbs swept up; sprays are a job for adults.
Nature notebook
Draw a cockroach from above, showing its flat oval shape, long antennæ and the two cerci at the tail end.
Tip
What we know now: Comstock calls the kitchen cockroaches European. Scientists now think the common house cockroaches came originally from Africa and Asia and were carried around the world on ships.