Blatta laterialis - sexing question

[dfudd]

Blatta laterialis grows from about 1/16 in. at hatching to about 1 in. adult. It takes about seven molts to reach adulthood. At what point in this cycle can these roaches be sexed? The adult males and females are quite different in appearance.

 

[Dark Raptor]

I think all Blattodea species can be sexed the same way. Even freshly hatched larvae (if you know how to handle them).

This is ventral side of abdomen. To the left - male, to the right - female.

 

[dfudd]

Thanks for the reply.

Dark Raptor: thanks for the info. Looks easy enough. I"ll go give it a try!!

 

[james]

sexing

Man this species is so fast that will be a fun one. I'm guess I'm glad I have thousands and don't need to bother.
James
www.blaberus.com

 

[dfudd]

sexing - B. lateralis

James,
You're right about that - they are fast. I've been able to sex a few, but have concluded that it would be easier to wait till they can be sexed without having to look at the underside. At what point is this possible?