Coaching for roach: status and trends in the taxonomy of Philippine cockroaches (Dictyoptera: Blattodea)

Issue Date

10-2015

Abstract

Cockroaches (Dictyoptera: Blattodea) are among the most diverse and abundant insects (>4500 described species). They are ubiquitous and are common in tropical cave habitats. Unfortunately, very few studies have been conducted regarding the diversity of Philippine cockroaches. Consequently , limited information is available on the species present in the country. Currently, 127 true cockroach species from 5 families are recorded in the Philippines, 12 of which are introduced while 63 are endemic to the country. Several new country records were noted. Percent endemicity of each family and subfamily were evaluated. Members of the family Nocticolidae have the highest percent endemicity. Unfortunately, threats to cockroach biodeversity such as deforestation, poaching, improper pesticide use, and introduction of foreign wildlife are prevalent. The very high endemicity of Philippine cockroaches and the narrow distributions, particularly for the Nocticolidae, provide an insight on the number of new taxa that are yet to be described from the country. With this, the taxonomy and ecology of cockroaches, particularly on minimally explored ecosystems like caves and rainforest canopy, should be studied further.

Source or Periodical Title

The Philippine Entomologist

ISSN

0048-3753

Volume

29

Issue

2

Page

218

Document Type

Article

Frequency

semi-annually

Language

English

En – AGROVOC descriptors

BLATTARIA; DICTYOPTERA; TAXONOMY; ECOLOGY; PHILIPPINES

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