Croaked Cockroaches

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Aug 21, 2007
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This may seem like a silly question.....but I have been wondering it for five years now.

Cockroaches have a low center of gravity. They are as close to the ground as you can get. Why is it, then, that when they are ready to die they are on their backs? How do they get flipped over?

Has anyone seen them do the flip? I never have. I only see them struggling, moving those little legs and antennae while lying on their backs. And a bit later, they are dead.

What is the explanation?

Lindsey
 

CaptnGlenn

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Mar 29, 2010
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I don't know the answer, but here's an idea:

I'm sure that SOMEONE, SOMEWHERE, must have done a study on this for their doctorate thesis at some University in the world. A google search of scientific papers would probably yield the answer. Of course, you'll go blind and/or crazy reading through all the google results looking for the appropriate paper; and once you've found it you'll loose whatever sanity remaining in trying to read the actual paper... Good luck ... LOL

the Captn
 

SantiagoDR

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BilldeBurgh

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Jan 26, 2010
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Flipped roaches

Here's my two cents worth:

Often we come across dead cockroaches in buildings that have died of insecticide. Most of these insecticides are organophosphate nerve poisons. The nerve poison often inhibits cholinesterase, an enzyme that breaks down acetyl choline (ACh), a neurotransmitter. With extra ACh in the nervous system, the cockroach has muscular spasms which often result in the cockroach flipping on its back. Without muscular coordination the cockroach cannot right itself and eventually dies in its upside down-position.

How's that for a Sunday?
 

CFA123

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May 29, 2004
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http://www.bio.umass.edu/biology/kunkel/cockroach_faq.html

Why do cockroaches die on their backs

831209v.gif

 

rice&beans

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May 16, 2010
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You made me laugh.....

This may seem like a silly question.....but I have been wondering it for five years now.

Cockroaches have a low center of gravity. They are as close to the ground as you can get. Why is it, then, that when they are ready to die they are on their backs? How do they get flipped over?

Has anyone seen them do the flip? I never have. I only see them struggling, moving those little legs and antennae while lying on their backs. And a bit later, they are dead.

What is the explanation?

Lindsey



Ha!!!! You have been wondering THIS for 5 YEARS?? That is sad. Poor boyfriend...If you have one....


<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/51418611@N05/5482166439/" title="4e56e1798e4a5789b0c1eaa6d0f1f16e by bocachica64, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5176/5482166439_b3b0e1d3f2.jpg" width="500" height="437" alt="4e56e1798e4a5789b0c1eaa6d0f1f16e" /></a>
 

Celt202

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May 22, 2004
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Is there a correlation between dead cockroaches on their backs and their proximity to loud bachata music?

I guess if that UMass faq doesn't have it it hasn't been studied. A special shout out to the taxpayers of Massachusetts.
 

Conchman

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Jul 3, 2002
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www.oceanworld.net
I don't know the answer, but here's an idea:

I'm sure that SOMEONE, SOMEWHERE, must have done a study on this for their doctorate thesis at some University in the world. A google search of scientific papers would probably yield the answer. Of course, you'll go blind and/or crazy reading through all the google results looking for the appropriate paper; and once you've found it you'll loose whatever sanity remaining in trying to read the actual paper... Good luck ... LOL

the Captn


I am sure this study is funded by the US Stimulus package.
 

Chirimoya

Well-known member
Dec 9, 2002
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I'm definitely due for an eye test. Every time I see the thread title I think it says "cooked cockroaches". ;)
 

SosuaSam

Member
Jan 4, 2010
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Dead cockroaches always seem to be on their back but then anytime I have been at a funeral the body is laying on its back too and I'm sure the dead guy didn't flip himself over. I guess laying on your back is just the proper way to go to the great beyond.
 
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