Which cockroach carries the egg case around with it until just before hatching?

The German cockroach is known for its unique behavior of carrying its egg case, known as an ootheca, with it until just before the eggs hatch. This behavior provides several advantages for the German cockroach; it helps protect the developing embryos from environmental hazards and predators, ensuring a higher survival rate for the young cockroaches. The female will often hide in tight spaces while carrying the egg case, which is a strategy that enhances the safety of her future offspring.

In contrast, other species, such as the Oriental, American, and Brown-banded cockroaches, exhibit different reproductive strategies. For example, the Oriental cockroach lays its egg cases in hidden areas rather than carrying them around, while the American cockroach also drops its egg cases in secluded locations. The Brown-banded cockroach primarily places its egg cases in higher locations in the environment, avoiding the carrying habit that is characteristic of the German cockroach. This distinction in behavior clearly distinguishes the German cockroach from other species in the context of egg case management.