Cockroaches are typically considered pests because they can infest homes, restaurants, and other buildings, contaminating food and spreading diseases. However, they also play important ecological roles, such as breaking down organic matter in ecosystems.

There are thousands of species of cockroaches, but the most common ones encountered by humans include the German cockroach, American cockroach, Oriental cockroach, and the brown-banded cockroach. Each species has its own habits, preferences, and characteristics.

The lifespan of a cockroach varies depending on the species and environmental conditions. Generally, cockroaches can live anywhere from a few months to a couple of years. Some species have shorter lifespans, while others can live longer, especially in ideal conditions with access to food, water, and shelter.

Regarding reproduction, cockroaches are prolific breeders. A female cockroach can produce multiple egg cases, called oothecae, during her lifetime. Each ootheca can contain dozens to hundreds of eggs, depending on the species. After being deposited by the female, the eggs typically hatch into nymphs, which then undergo several molts before reaching adulthood. This reproductive capacity contributes to the rapid population growth of cockroaches under favorable conditions.