Living Large and Fierce - Meet the Table Mountain Cockroach

Living Large and Fierce - Meet the Table Mountain Cockroach

Grootbos Foundation

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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

Living Large and Fierce - Meet the Table Mountain Cockroach

Grootbos Foundation

Grootbos Foundation is a registered non-profit organisation in Gansbaai dedicated to conserving the Cape Floral Kingdom while uplifting the communities that call it home. The foundation protects over 22,200 hectares of fynbos and biodiversity across Grootbos Private Nature Reserve and the Walker Bay...

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