Why don't cockroaches fly?

Winged cockroaches aren't an urban myth. They really do exist. Learn what makes them fly and how they use flying as a survival mechanism. read more

If you thought all cockroaches could fly, think again. While many cockroach species have wings, some can only crawl. Discover more facts on cockroaches. read more

Adults of many species of cockroaches are endowed with wings. Adults of other species, and all nymphs (regardless of species) are wingless. Those adults that have wings tend to fly mainly when disturbed. Generally, they're ungainly in flight, a bit more than just falling with style. read more

The reason most of them don't fly is that they actually kind of suck at it. Cockroaches have made a very successful niche for themselves as cryptic little insects that run very quickly for cover when they are threatened. Their first instinct for escape is now to scurry, rather than take flight and fly away. read more