Cockroach Gestation
Cockroach gestation begins when a female specimen creates an ootheca, or an egg case, which contains a number of eggs. Most species deposit this egg case in a safe, protective area, where it remains until it hatches. However, females of some species, such as the German cockroach, carry the ootheca attached to the abdomen until it hatches.
Some female cockroaches demonstrate maternal care. The newly hatched nymphs of the American cockroach remain close to the female for several days after hatching. The Diploptera punctata cockroach produces protein-rich milk in order to support its young. Milk production stops when nymph females cease to procreate. Female Madagascar hissing cockroaches cover their young with their bodies in order to protect them.
Cockroach species exhibit one of four types of reproduction: ovoviviparity, false ovoviviparity, true ovoviviparity and viviparity. In ovoviviparity reproduction, the ootheca is dropped shortly after being produced. In false ovoviviparity, the ootheca is reattached to the uterus for the duration of its gestation period. In true ovoviviparity, an ootheca is not formed; rather, eggs are kept within the mother's uterus. In viviparity, the ootheca is rotated and retracted into the uterus.
