Cockroach Wisdom

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 12, Issue 10, 6 January 1948, Page 3

Cockroach Wisdom

Of all the animals that lived during the carboniferous age, from the giant dinosaurs down, only the cockroach has survived intact.

In at least one respect, the cockroach has proved himself superior to man in the art of survival, writes Dr Frank, in “Manana.” He has learned the wisdom of not quarrelling with his own species. There has never been war among cockroaches because they respect each other’s privacy. If a family of them chooses a nook in your basement for their home, no other cockroach will cross the threshold uninvited. A cockroach’s home is his castle and acceptance of this code spells peace. This insect manages to reach a ripe old age because he is not a finicky eater. Whitewash, old shoes, cardboard boxes, plaster .and lime are acceptable items on his menu.' He gets as excited over ink, oilcloth or rags as he does over meat, bread and potatoes. A group kept without nourishment for seventy-six days in a glass jar survived. When set free they did not gorge, but during the first few days only nibbled at food, increasing their diet as their stomachs returned to normal. In spite of .that bulging stomach, he is an athlete of amazing prowess. He can compress himself into the tiniest holes, and can become airborne. His eyes can penetrate the darkness, and if held under water for twenty minutes he will come up none the worse.