Virgin Red runner observation.

[Matttoadman]

So a year ago I gave away my colony of red runners. I had noticed for awhile there was one nymph hiding out in my Blaberus fusca tank. This roach eventually mature in to a massive female. I saw her last alive in November. It would appear that a virgin female lives much longer than productive females. It seemed like they only lived a few months. 

 

[Arthroverts]

Doesn't surprise me. Breeding is known to reduce the lifespan of many creatures, even in reptiles such as chameleons. Plus, extra energy expenditure is known to reduce the life expectancy of some(many?) invertebrates (flightless vs. flying Cotinis mutabilis come to mind), so the breeding process can't help.

Interesting observation nonetheless.

Thanks,

Arthroverts

 

[Hisserdude]

Yeah in my experience roaches certainly live longer when they aren't breeding, both males and females... 

 

[Twilightroach]

That is very interesting.