What Is the Difference Between Cockroaches & Water Bugs?

Cockroaches

• Cockroaches are broad and flat. They have a hard, protective, outer pair of wings, and a delicate inner pair for flying. Antennae are long and prominent. Chewing mouthparts are on the underside of the small head. Eyes are prominent and compound. Cockroaches range in color from light tan to dark brown. Some tropical species are brightly colored. Adult body size ranges from one-half to four inches long, depending on species.

Water Bugs

• Water bugs range from flat to rounded, and smooth to covered with protuberances. Flying wings are kept under hard, protective wings covered in a waxy, waterproof cuticle. Antennae are small and tucked against the head. Eyes are also small, and absent in some species. Chewing and sucking mouthparts form a rostrum, or snout. Color ranges from tan to black, and some are bluish green or patterned. Sizes are similar to cockroaches. Members of the genus Lethocerus are very similar in appearance to cockroaches.

Habitats

• Cockroaches are land animals. They colonize dark, compact spaces, preferring vertical areas only slightly wider than their own bodies. Water bugs are aquatic or amphibious. All water bugs spend at least part of their lives in freshwater, coming to the surface to breathe air. Some conceal themselves in mud, cling to plants, or are free-swimming. They can fly between bodies of water.

Feeding

• Cockroaches are opportunistic, generalized feeders. They consume plant material and scavenge all types of plant and animal food. Many consume wood and wood products, such as paper and glues. They almost never kill any type of animal prey themselves. Water bugs are carnivorous and omnivorous predators. Some feed on the juices and soft parts of plants. Almost all kill animal prey, including other insects, small fish and amphibians.

Defense

• Cockroaches defend themselves by hiding. Most run away from light. Sensory motion detectors help them flee anything that moves toward them. Water bugs defend themselves by hiding and playing dead, but some have weapons. Many water bugs use their rostrum to deliver a painful, stabbing wound. Their bite includes a poison that kills muscle tissue and causes blood poisoning and gangrene.

Social Behavior

• Cockroaches prefer to be surrounded by other cockroaches at all times. Water bugs are more solitary but may congregate during the breeding season. Both have parental care.

Reproduction

• Male cockroaches sing a special song to attract females. Females carry their egg cases underneath or inside their bodies. In some species, the newly hatched young ride the mother. Male water bugs use a special dance at the water's surface to attract females. Males of some species carry the eggs on their backs. Each couple associates for an extended time during the breeding season. Each male mates with a single female but females may have multiple partners.