[ad_1]
Both cockroaches and water bugs are extremely common pests in the United States. They infect the same areas of the house, such as the basement, bathroom, kitchen or laundry room. Have you ever heard of any cockroach called a water bug? If you think that this means that the water bug is a type of cockroach, then you are right. The term “water bug” is broad and can refer to several different insects found in fresh water or on the surface of water. The amphibian cockroach is only one of 1,500 species of water bugs, while cockroaches are land-based.
When dealing with them as pests, it is helpful to differentiate between them in order to better deal with them. This is useful even without being infected, so you can prepare to meet them. Below we will take a look at all of their differences!
Comparison of cockroach and water beetle
| Cockroach | Water bug | |
|---|---|---|
| The size | 0.075-3 inches long | 2-4 inches long |
| Colour | Red, brown, brown, black | Brown, brown, gray (oriental darker) |
| Body | Flat oval body, without wings, long antennae, covered with the spine of the legs, head turned down. | Flat, oval body, wings, short antennae, piercing mouth, pointed beak, clawed front legs |
| Habitat | The room is warm, dark | Wet, dark freshwater bodies of water, lakes; next to the lights |
| Taxonomy | Order Blattodea, different families, genera and species | Blatta orientalis or true water bug (true order Hemiptera, infraorder Nepomorpha) |
| Group behavior | Group | Single, except for mating period |
| Diet | Garbage man | Predator, scavenger (algae, garbage) |
| Terminology | Ground cockroach | Water, Eastern cockroach |
| Bite | No | Yes |
5 main differences between a cockroach and a water bug
Cockroach vs water beetle: size
The water bug is always larger than the cockroach, 1 to 3.25 inches longer than any cockroach. Even if you do not see them next to each other, you can still understand well which is which.
Cockroach vs. Water Beetle: Body
When discussing physical characteristics, it is important to remember that we are simply distinguishing the eastern cockroach, also called the waterbug or black beetle, from the terrestrial cockroaches. American, smoky brown, German and oriental cockroaches are called “water bugs”, but the only aquatic species are oriental cockroaches. All cockroaches have flat, oval bodies with antennae. Terrestrial cockroaches have long antennae covered with spiked legs that look furry, heads downward, and have no wings. Water bugs or oriental cockroaches have short antennae, wings, clawed forepaws, a pointed short beak, and a piercing mouth.
Cockroach vs. Water Beetle: Habitat
The ground cockroach is adaptable, although it prefers warm, dark enclosed spaces and will move indoors to avoid the cold of winter. The waterbug prefers wet and dark areas near freshwater ponds and lakes. During the mating season, he can also be seen flying near the lanterns. Not only does the cockroach lack wings, although some species can fly, it also dodges any light. This is why cockroaches run away when you turn on the lights in a previously dark room.
Cockroach vs. Water Beetle: Group Behavior
Cockroaches like to be around each other as often as possible. Water bugs are quite solitary except for the mating season. So if you come across one of them, take a little more look around to see its group behavior and indicate which one is most likely.
Cockroach vs water beetle: diet
Both of these cockroaches can be scavengers. The difference is in the prevailing diet. Cockroaches are scavengers and feed on food, garbage, and rotting things. Water bugs are predators and prey on smaller creatures, but they also feed on algae and debris whenever possible.
Next: Caribou vs. Elk: 8 Key Differences Explained
[ad_2]
Source link