Are you easily scared at the sight of cockroaches? Cockroaches can be quite scary and there is a good reason why you should do your best to get rid of it or to stay away from it. Cockroaches can cause skin irritations and they can also cause disease. This is because cockroaches are very dirty bugs.
However, the same cannot be said when it comes to beetles. At least not all of them. This is because there are a lot of beetle species. There are a lot of beetles and bugs that look like cockroaches but aren’t. Many of them look like one because they have a similar shape, size, or color. Some can even crawl or fly like one.
Figuring out whether the bug you see is a beetle or a cockroach is actually quite important. It is bad form to recklessly kill these insects without knowing if they are harmful or if they are actually harmless. You should understand that some beetles are quite rare and some are even important to the ecosystem.
Take Note Of The Appearance
The moment you see a bug that is black or brown has shiny skin, and tiny legs, your first reaction would understandably be to freak out. More so when it suddenly crawls across the floor, or worse, when it flies around the house unexpectedly. But before you grab something to throw, you might want a closer look.
Cockroaches typically have a small head, antennas, thin legs, and a shiny exoskeleton. Unfortunately, most beetles also have the same characteristics. A lot of beetles are also black or brown in color. Many of them also have shiny black heads, giving them the appearance of a roach at first glance.
What makes beetles different, however, is that many of them have a bigger or bulkier appearance. They can have very shiny exoskeletons that make them appear as if they are armored. Some beetles also have sharp horns instead of antennas. If it has a distinct color and pattern, then it might be a beetle.
Distinguishing Friend From Foe
In almost all cases, roaches are your enemy. Kill it, or get rid of it, period! But when it comes to beetles that look like cockroaches, you should try to at least give it a second look. For example, the American burying beetle with its black and red-orange markings looks like a roach but is an endangered beetle.
June bugs and ground beetles are also very common and they can be easily mistaken for cockroaches. However, June bugs are harmless and they do not carry diseases. Ground beetles can also look scary, but they can actually protect plants by killing pests like snails and maggots. These should be set free.
In general, beetles do not typically carry diseases or harbor dangerous microorganisms. But it doesn’t mean that every species is now off the hook. This is because some beetles are actually invasive and they can do a lot of damage. Beetles like the Asian longhorn beetle, or emerald ash borer need to be killed.
The moment you find out that you are actually dealing with a beetle that looks like a cockroach, you should try to figure out what to do next. Although beetles are harmless, it does not automatically mean that you can play with it. Keep in mind that beetles can bite you and their sharp legs can irritate the skin.
Identifying Juvenile Cockroaches
While adult cockroaches and beetles can share similar characteristics, juvenile cockroaches can also be mistaken for certain types of beetles. Young roaches, or nymphs, often have different coloring and patterns compared to their adult counterparts, which can lead to confusion. To prevent mistaking these for harmless beetles, you can refer to What Do Baby Roaches Look Like? This resource provides valuable insights that can help you distinguish between the young of different species, ensuring you respond appropriately to the insects in your home.
Conclusion
In most cases, beetles can really look like the ordinary cockroach. They have very similar appearances and most of them also have the same characteristics in terms of size, shape, and color as the cockroach. The main difference is that roaches can carry diseases and dangerous microorganisms.
To help you distinguish the two better, take note of the bug’s exoskeleton. Beetles have harder exoskeletons and they also have hard or leathery wings. Beetles can also have horns, and they can also take on unique colors and patterns that are unique to specific beetle species.
It is not wise to kill bugs that will suddenly appear inside your home. If it is a cockroach, then you might want to get rid of it, or you might want to check if there is an infestation in your home. If you think that it is a beetle, you might want to give it a chance and set it free outside instead.
Since there are beetles that look very much like cockroaches, I highly suggest that you go online to familiarize yourself with bugs that can be commonly found in your area. This will help you decide whether to use insecticides on your property or simply not worry about it.
Have you seen beetles that look like cockroaches? Share your experience with us in the comments section below.
Frequently Asked Questions about Beetles That Look Like Cockroaches
Are there specific regions where beetles that resemble cockroaches are more common?
Yes, the occurrence of certain beetles can be regional. For example, the American burying beetle, mentioned in the article, is more common in the central U.S. It’s always beneficial to familiarize oneself with local insect fauna to better identify and handle encounters.
What is the lifespan of beetles compared to cockroaches?
The lifespan of beetles varies widely by species, ranging from weeks to several years. Cockroaches, depending on the species, generally live for a few months to a couple of years. For example, German cockroaches live about 6-9 months, while some beetles, like the stag beetle, can live up to 7 years.
Can beetles infest homes in the same way that cockroaches can?
While beetles can occasionally invade homes, they generally do not infest in the same persistent and pervasive manner as cockroaches. However, some beetles, like the carpet beetle, can become a nuisance in homes if not addressed.
Do beetles also have nocturnal behavior similar to cockroaches?
Many beetles are indeed nocturnal, but their activity patterns can vary widely based on the species. Some are attracted to light and can be commonly seen around outdoor lights at night, while others might be more elusive.
How do beetles benefit the environment or ecosystem?
Beetles play a vital role in ecosystems. They aid in decomposition, help control pest populations, pollinate plants, and serve as a crucial food source for many birds, mammals, and other animals. Their diversity and adaptability allow them to fulfill numerous ecological roles.
