| Compsodes schwarzi | |
|---|---|
 | |
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Class: | Insecta |
| Order: | Blattodea |
| Family: | Corydiidae |
| Genus: | Compsodes |
| Species: | C. schwarzi |
| Binomial name | |
| Compsodes schwarzi (Caudell, 1903) | |
| Compsodes schwarzi | |
|---|---|
| | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Class: | Insecta |
| Order: | Blattodea |
| Family: | Corydiidae |
| Genus: | Compsodes |
| Species: | C. schwarzi |
| Binomial name | |
| Compsodes schwarzi (Caudell, 1903) | |
Compsodes schwarzi, or Schwarz's hooded cockroach, is a species of cockroach in the family Corydiidae. It is found in Central America, North America. [1] [2] [3]
Compsodes schwarzi was originally described by Andrew Nelson Caudell in 1903 as Latindia schwarzi. The species was later transferred to the genus Compsodes by Hebard in 1917. The specific epithet "schwarzi" honors an individual named Schwarz. [4]
Description Compsodes schwarzi is a small cockroach species with distinct sexual dimorphism in size and morphology: [5]
Males: Measure approximately 7-9 mm in body length with a wingspan of 13.5 mm. Adult males are capable of both climbing and flying. [6]
Females: Smaller than males, measuring approximately 5-8 mm in body length. Females are flightless and have limited climbing ability. [7]
Nymphs: Extremely small, with early instars measuring around 1 mm in length. [8]
The species exhibits a yellowish-brown to pale brown coloration and possesses the characteristic "hooded" appearance that gives it its common name. [9]
Compsodes schwarzi has a wide distribution across North America, ranging from Arizona to Florida. Notable collection localities include Pena Blanca Lake in Santa Cruz County, Arizona, where specimens have been documented at elevations of approximately 3,869 feet.
The species is attracted to artificial lights, including mercury vapor and ultraviolet lights, which has aided in field collection efforts.
One of the most distinctive behavioral traits of C. schwarzi is its strong association with ant colonies. The species is found almost exclusively in or near ant nests in the wild, where it maintains a complex ecological relationship with its ant hosts. Specimens currently maintained in captivity were originally collected from ant colonies, including trapjaw ant (Odontomachus clarus) nests.
The exact nature of this ant-cockroach relationship remains unclear, with researchers uncertain whether it represents a parasitic, commensal, or mutualistic interaction. The cockroaches appear to benefit from access to stable environmental conditions, protection from predators and competitors, and abundant food resources in the form of colony scraps and debris.
C. schwarzi is primarily detritivorous, feeding on decaying organic matter, leaf litter, and other decomposing plant materials. In captivity, they readily accept a varied diet including fresh vegetables, fruits, fish flakes, and commercial insect foods.
The species is oviparous, with females laying small, thin oothecae (egg cases) that are typically deposited on bark pieces and other hiding surfaces. Each ootheca contains approximately 6-8 eggs. Under optimal temperature conditions (70-85°F), eggs hatch within 2-4 weeks, and nymphs require an additional 2-3 months to reach sexual maturity.
Adult males typically live 2-3 months, while females have a longer lifespan of 4-6 months, allowing for overlapping generations in established colonies.
C. schwarzi has become established in the pet trade as a feeder insect for small reptiles and amphibians. The species adapts well to captive conditions and does not require the presence of ant colonies to thrive.
Housing requirements include small containers with adequate ventilation, moist substrate (such as coconut fiber), and multiple hiding places in the form of bark pieces, cork, or commercial hide structures. Due to the tiny size of nymphs and the flight capability of adult males, secure, tightly-fitting lids are essential to prevent escapes.
The species tolerates a range of humidity levels but performs best under moderately humid conditions. Temperatures between 65-85°F are suitable, with warmer temperatures promoting faster growth and reproduction.
Compsodes schwarzi is not currently listed as threatened or endangered. However, its specialized ecological niche and dependence on ant colonies for optimal survival in the wild may make populations vulnerable to habitat disruption and changes in ant community structure.
The species serves as an important model organism for studying myrmecophilous relationships and has contributed to understanding the complex ecological interactions between cockroaches and social insects. Its small size and prolific breeding make it valuable for laboratory studies on insect behavior and ecology.
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