Female Social Adaptability of the Madagascar Hissing Cockroach

Abstract

Abstract The cognition of roaches has been a rising topic of study for behavioral psychology and entomology. As researchers have started using Madagascar Hissing Cockroaches for virology or comparative psychology, they have noted unique behavior in relationships and recognition. Female Madagascar Cockroaches show adaptability in behavior in order to fulfill the colony's social needs through the adoption of orphaned nymphs and the rise of a female alpha when lacking a male. Females were set in separate containers with three nymphs of the same species. Elliptorhina chopardi females and nymphs made up a colony lacking a male. Through behavioral observation, it was determined that females quickly took to their adopted nymphs, through proximity and anxious, defensive behavior when separated or startled. These animals raise nymphs until adulthood, and nymphs show evidence of recognition of mothers in adulthood. Females that adopt and raise nymphs adapt their behavior to raise nymphs they did not birth. The nymphs follow secure attachment and are easily handleable and social, whereas nymphs without a secure mother show no boldness. A female in a male-absent colony will eventually take on male behavior such as stilting and guarding, along with a preference for a male-specific diet. Females are highly adaptable in their roles, representing higher cognition, and that social structures are integral to the development and survival of Madagascar Cockroaches, presenting that they can be a useful tool in comparative psychology.