blattodeans

Blattodeans are an order of insects that includes cockroaches and termites. This order, Blattodea, is characterized by its flattened bodies, long antennae, and leathery forewings. Cockroaches are typically nocturnal scavengers found in various habitats, often associated with human dwellings. Termites, while also Blattodeans, are social insects that live in colonies and feed primarily on wood. Despite the common perception of cockroaches as pests, both cockroaches and termites play important roles in their ecosystems, primarily as decomposers. Recent research has refined the classification of this order, revealing a close evolutionary relationship between cockroaches and termites, with termites now considered a specialized lineage within the cockroach group. This understanding has led to the reclassification of termites from their former order, Isoptera, into Blattodea. The order is diverse, with thousands of described species found across the globe, inhabiting a wide range of environments from tropical forests to arid deserts. Their life cycle typically involves incomplete metamorphosis, with young resembling smaller versions of the adults.