Question

Describe the structure of a leg of cockroach.

Answer 1

Hint: Cockroach are the insects which are included in order Blattodea which also includes termites. They have chewing mouthparts and are common and hard insects which can tolerate wide temperatures. There are 4600 known species of cockroach around the world.

Complete answer:

There are three pairs of legs in a cockroach which is attached with the thorax. Each pair of leg is named according to the region of the thorax with which it is attached. The three pairs of legs in the cockroach are Prothoracic legs, Mesothoracic legs and metathoracic legs.
Prothoracic legs are the closest to the head of the cockroach and are the shortest of the other two pairs of the legs. These legs act like brakes when the cockroach runs. These legs are used to stop or decrease the speed of the cockroach.
Mesothoracic pairs are present in the middle of both pairs and can move back and forth to speed up or slow it down. These legs are long compared to prothoracic legs of the cockroach.
Metathoracic legs are the long legs which are present on the back and help in moving forward. All three legs present in cockroach perform different functions and are different in length. The upper part of the legs is called coxa which attaches the legs to the thorax. Trochanter acts like a knee and helps in bending while femur and tibia resembles thigh and shin bones. Tarsus acts as ankle and foot.

Note: Tarsus can be hook-like which helps in climbing the walls and walking upside down on the ceilings. The cockroach is a common insect which is found in houses and reproduces by sexual reproduction.