Can Cockroaches See

Cockroaches can see in the dark. How, you might ask? As a scientist, I find it odd that this question doesn’t already have an answer. After all, scientists are pretty smart and if there’s something we’ve overlooked in terms of who these cockroaches are, I’m sure we wouldn’t be surprised to learn that these creatures have some unique abilities yet to be identified by us… Cockroaches are known to be pests in many households, but how do these critters really live, scavenge and even travel using their all too many legs? This is what you’re about to discover with this set of interesting cockroach facts.

Can Cockroaches See

Yes, cockroaches can see in the dark.

While it isn’t the most impressive ability, cockroaches do have a very keen sense of sight that allows them to see well even in dim lighting. They also have a high tolerance for bright light, which is why you can often find them outside at night.

Cockroaches are able to see colors, but they aren’t able to distinguish between red and green. That’s why some people who are afraid of cockroaches cover their walls with red light bulbs whenever they want to keep the roaches away: because cockroaches can’t tell difference between red and green light, they’re more likely to move away from areas that are lit up with red lights than those that are lit up with green lights (or no lights at all).

You’ve probably noticed that cockroaches are really good at hiding. But what you may not know is that they can actually see in the dark, which is why they’re so good at it.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ilmaqdLAmJY

Cockroaches have two eyes, and each eye has about 30,000 light-sensitive cells called ommatidia. The ommatidia are arranged in hexagonal clusters, which helps them see in 3D. This kind of vision is common among insects and spiders, but not many other animals can see as well with their eyes alone.

But did you know that cockroaches also have a second set of eyes? A pair of “false” or “pseudo” eyes on top of their head! These eyes don’t detect light like our own do—they just tell the brain where things are in space. So even if you can’t see where the roach went after it ran under your bed, its second set of eyes can help it navigate its way around while its main eyes are busy looking for food and mates (which means they’re not using them much).

The reason cockroaches need these extra eyes is because they live underground—a place where there’s no light at all! But don’t worry:

List of Can Cockroaches See