Living Large and Fierce - Meet the Table Mountain Cockroach
Did you know the Table Mountain Cockroach (Aptera fusca) is the largest native cockroach in our region?
• Females are wingless and reach up to 40mm
• Males are smaller (up to 29mm) and have wings
These gentle giants have a fierce side, too! To defend themselves, they hiss or squeak by forcing air through tiny breathing holes called spiracles. They also release a foul-smelling, oily substance that deters predators.
Fierce when threatened, gentle in nature.
Brought to you by the Grootbos Foundation Entomology team
