First Bug Interactions

The Madagascar Hissing Cockroach

The Madagascar Hissing Cockroach was the first bug we examined today. They were surprising calm and docile, especially the females. The females do not actually make a hissing noise, only the males do. The hissing comes from the inhale and exhale through the breathing holes, located on the bugs abdomen. 

I decided to do a little more research on these fascinating species. Here are some facts I learned:

• One of the largest breeds of cockroaches
• Males have horns, which they use to fight others.
• Unusually, the female carries her eggs inside her in a case she creates. 

http://uglyoverload.blogspot.com/2010/03/before-first-instar.html

The European Paper Wasp

This was the second bug I was able to examine today. These guys can sting, so WATCH OUT! They live in colonies in paper nests, which are made new each spring. They can be very easily found in Colorado, which means they have to survive the winter. The females usually are fertilized over this period and they seek shelter for the winter, often finding places indoors. This wasp eats many different insects. 

Here is a photo I took thru my microscope of the European Paper Wasp: