Cockroach jumping: A behavioral description and experimental analysis in Periplaneta

Cockroaches have long been a model system for studying insect movement; however, the kinematics and behavior of roach jumping has not been specifically described. Here, we catalog the jumping mechanisms of adult Periplaneta americana and compare it to their close relatives P. fuliginosa. First, we use high-speed videography to describe leg and body movements during a jump of an adult roach off of a platform. Then, in order to test the contributions of the hind legs, we perform an experiment altering their ability to grip the substrate. In a second experiment, we compare jumping behavior across a gap between two platforms. We found that all roaches performed the same set of jumping movements in both scenarios: first, positioning themselves with their front and middle legs; second, pushing off with their middle legs while bringing the hind legs forward; and third, pushing off with the hind legs. Experimental manipulation of the hind tarsi reduced the forward jumping ability of P. americana but did not completely eliminate their ability to jump pointing towards the contribution of both the middle and hind legs. Their ability to jump across a gap was hindered but not completely lost when we experimentally impaired the pushing ability of the hind legs. Our work adds to our understanding of the locomotory abilities of these well-studied insects.