Texas Future Farmers of America (FFA) Entomology Career Development Events (CDE) Practice Exam

The American Cockroach is classified in the order Blattodea. This classification is based on its biological and morphological characteristics. Insects in the Blattodea order are commonly known as roaches and are noted for their flattened bodies, long antennae, and the ability to thrive in various environments. They typically have a high reproductive rate and are often found in human-inhabited areas, which is characteristic of many species within this order.

Understanding the taxonomy of insects is crucial in entomology, and Blattodea is distinct from other orders due to features like their developmental stages and life cycles. For instance, unlike Orthoptera which includes grasshoppers and crickets that are known for their jumping ability and sound production, or Hemiptera which encompasses true bugs that often have piercing-sucking mouthparts, cockroaches show different adaptations suited to their lifestyle. Lepidoptera, including butterflies and moths, is another order with unique characteristics like scales on their wings, which further differentiates it from Blattodea. The classification into different orders helps in studying their ecological roles and managing pest species.