Cockroaches are ideal subjects for laboratory investigation at all
educational levels. Compared with many other laboratory animals,
cockroaches are easily and inexpensively maintained and cultured and
require relatively little space. They are hardy and are readily
available. The purpose of this book is to provide background material
and experimental leads for utilizing cockroaches in the teaching
laboratory and in designing research projects. The level of difficulty
of the experiments varies according to the depth of understanding desi
red by the instructor. In most cases at least a part of each experiment
or technique can be incorporated into the laboratory component of
elementary, high school or college curriculum. Sections of the lab book
are appropriate for courses in Animal Behavior, Entomology, Organismic
Biology and Insect Physiology. Aside from this main purpose, the book
also provides a wealth of experimental ideas and techniques for a
scientist at any level of education. Lawrence, Kansas June 15, 1981 W.
J. B. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS. Virtually all graduate students who have worked
on cockroach research in my laboratory have knowingly or unknowingly
contributed to this book. The most important contribution was from Sandy
Jones McPeak, who encouraged me to finish the project. Segments of
various chapters were conceived, developed or reviewed by Michael D.
Breed, Sandy Jones McPeak, Michael K. Rust, Coby Schal, Thomas R. Tobin,
W. Alexander Hawkins, Gary R. Sams and Chris Parsons Sams.
