Comparative water relations, temperature sensitivity, and breeding potential of Pycnoscelus cockroaches (Blattaria: Blaberidae)

Abstract

Pycnoscelus surinamensis (L.) is a pest cockroach found worldwide, while its relatives are restricted to tropical regions. Few comparative studies have investigated physiological differences between P. surinamensis and its sexually reproducing sister species, Pycnoscelus indicus (F.), but no comparison has been made between different Pycnoscelus species other than the two species mentioned here. To examine potential factors contributing to the widespread range of P. surinamensis we compared water relations, thermal tolerance, and reproductive potential between six Pycnoscelus species. No significant differences were observed in water relations, thermal tolerance, and reproductive potential between P. surinamensis and other Pycnoscelus species. While we could not explain why P. surinamensis are more widespread than its congeners, our study opens a great opportunity to explore the physiological and biological aspects of Pycnoscelus species.