The Unstoppable Spread of Cockroaches: A Genetic Study of Their Global Journey
Cockroaches: The Six-Legged Invaders That Conquered the Globe
DALLAS (AP) — Cockroaches, the notorious home invaders that seem impossible to eradicate, have a fascinating history that spans thousands of years and continents, according to a new study published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
Researchers analyzed the genes of over 280 cockroaches from 17 countries and six continents, revealing that the German cockroach, a species found worldwide, actually originated in southeast Asia around 2,100 years ago. The study suggests that cockroaches may have spread across the globe by hitching a ride with humans, traveling west to the Middle East about 1,200 years ago and reaching Europe about 270 years ago via trade routes.
“It’s not just an insect story,” said Stephen Richards, an assistant professor at Baylor College of Medicine. “It’s an insect and humanity story.”
Once they arrived in new territories, inventions like the steam engine and indoor plumbing likely facilitated the cockroaches’ ability to thrive indoors, where they are commonly found today. Modern-day cockroaches are difficult to control due to their rapid evolution to resist pesticides.
Understanding how cockroaches have adapted to different environments in the past may provide insights for better pest control strategies in the future, researchers say.
The study was supported by the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Science and Educational Media Group, with the Associated Press Health and Science Department solely responsible for all content.
Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
