The humble cockroach, often associated with filth and fear, has a fascinating origin story that traces back to India, according to a new scientific paper published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS). The study, which analyzed DNA samples of German cockroaches from 17 countries across six continents, revealed that the species actually evolved from the Asian cockroach Blattella asahinai around 2,100 years ago in India or Myanmar.
Despite its name, the German cockroach did not make its way to Europe until around 270 years ago, during the European colonial period. The insect’s spread to other parts of the world was facilitated by advances in transportation, globalization of trade, and the construction of houses with plumbing and heating in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Interestingly, during the Seven Years’ War in eastern Europe, the cockroach was spotted in army food stores and was given different names by opposing forces. The Russians called it the “Prussian cockroach,” while British and Prussian soldiers referred to it as the “Russian cockroach.”
The study also delves into the etymology of the word “cockroach,” which was first introduced in English in 1624 by Captain John Smith in Virginia. Charles Darwin later referenced the “small Asiatic cockroach” in his 1859 book On the Origin of Species.
Today, the cockroach poses significant social, medical, and economic costs due to its ability to evolve resistance to insecticides. A study conducted in China found that cockroaches can harbor and spread foodborne pathogens, making them a potential source of foodborne infections.
As the German cockroach continues to evolve and adapt to survive, the battle between humans and these resilient insects is likely to continue for years to come. The study serves as a reminder of the fascinating history and biology of these creatures that have managed to colonize nearly every corner of the globe.