Milky secretion

[Herpetologyfrk]

I have seen this secretion on blatta orientalis adult females before, and I've always been curious as to what it is. I just noticed my Neostylopyga rhombifolia with the same secretion in the exact same place as the orientalis (the last two ventral segments on the top of the roaches, not on the cerci). Only two have the secretion, and I do not believe any of the three are adults yet.

Actually after taking a closer look they all have the secretion, and it is also on the cerci.

 

[Herpetologyfrk]

I think I found my answer. A defensive secretion? Can both sexes produce it? I've only seen the orientalis and lateralis females with on them.

 

[Ralph]

It's a defense. Females and nymphs seem to produce more, but I think males will make it too. With species where the males are long-winged, they might not make any or its just not visible.

 

[Herpetologyfrk]

Well I've never seen a orientalis male with it and they have short wings. I suppose I wouldn't be able to see it on a lateralis male.

Thanks, Ralph!