Cockroaches vs Beetles (6 Easy Ways To Tell With Pictures)

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You just saw something moving on the floor and you are panicking because you think you saw a cockroach. Or wait, was that a beetle? For some reason telling ourselves we saw a beetle is way better than seeing a cockroach.

Regardless, you’ve come to the right place. Because it’s time for a showdown of epic proportions: Cockroaches vs Beetles! These two bugs may look similar at first glance, but trust me, they’re about as different as a fancy steak dinner and a bowl of moldy leftovers.

If you just saw one of these running around in your house, don’t panic! First off, get rid of them. Second, identify them. Maybe you saw a water bug. And I’m going to help you identify the major differences between cockroaches and beetles so you know just who you’re dealing with.

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Body Shape

Cockroaches are long and slimy, while beetles are more of a rugged and ruggedly handsome. The main difference in appearance is that cockroaches have a flattened and elongated body, like a freshly waxed surfboard, while beetles have a more rounded body shape, like a big, beefy burger patty.

Color

Cockroaches are generally brown or black, while beetles can come in a wide range of colors and patterns. Cockroaches blend in with the environment, making them hard to spot, like a chameleon in a pile of dirt. Meanwhile, beetles can be quite colorful, making them stand out like a clown at a funeral. But maybe you saw one that was black, which can resemble a cockroach.

Speed

Cockroaches are like the Usain Bolts of the bug world. They’re lightning fast and agile, scurrying across floors and up walls in a flash. These little buggers can move at speeds of up to 3 miles per hour, according to the University of California, Riverside. That’s like running a marathon in just under 20 minutes!

Beetles, on the other hand, are more like the Sunday strollers of the bug world. They move at a much slower pace, leisurely making their way across surfaces. These little guys can only move at speeds of about 1 mile per hour. That’s like a leisurely jog on the beach.

So, if you see something moving quickly across your floor, it’s probably a cockroach. But if you see something slowly making its way across the room, it’s probably a beetle.

Antennae

Cockroaches have long and thin antennae, like weirdly long fingers. They use these antennae to sense their environment and navigate, like a GPS for bugs. Now, picture a cockroach scurrying around with these long antennae, waving around like it’s trying to catch a radio signal. It’s pretty hilarious if you think about it.

Now, let’s talk about the beetle. These guys have shorter, thicker antennae, like chubby little fingers. They use their antennae for a variety of functions, including smelling, tasting, and even hearing. So, while the cockroach is waving its antennae around trying to catch a signal, the beetle is using its antennae like a bug’s version of a Swiss army knife.

But that’s not all, my friends. Some beetles even have antennae that are shaped like clubs or even are serrated. According to the journal of “Animal” many beetle species use their antennae to communicate with potential mates or for territorial disputes. So, if you ever see a beetle waving its antennae around, it’s probably trying to impress a lady beetle or telling another beetle to back off.

Legs

First things first, both cockroaches and beetles have six legs. So, that’s not much help. But, if you take a closer look, you’ll notice some key differences.

Cockroaches have long, thin legs that are built for speed. They’re like sprinters, able to scurry across floors and up walls faster than you can say “ew, gross!” They also have spikes on their legs, which give them extra grip, like cleats on a soccer shoe.

Beetles, on the other hand, have shorter, thicker legs. They’re more like marathon runners, able to keep a steady pace but not as quick as a cockroach. Their legs are also smooth and don’t have any spikes.

Another thing to note is the way the legs are attached to the body. Cockroaches have legs that are attached to the sides of their body, which helps them move in a straight line. Beetles have legs that are attached to the bottom of their body, which helps them move in any direction.

Diet

Cockroaches will eat anything, like a garbage disposal with legs, while beetles have specific dietary needs, like a vegan bug. Cockroaches are opportunistic feeders and will eat almost anything, including rotting food, paper, and even other insects. Beetles, on the other hand, have specific dietary needs and can be found munching on leaves, flowers, and even tree bark, like a fancy restaurant for bugs.