Question

How many pairs of wings are found in cockroaches? What is the first pair of wings called?

Answer 1

Cockroaches are a member of the phylum arthropoda. They have a segmented body. The body is divided into $3$ segments – head, thorax and abdomen. The entire body is covered with an exoskeleton which is made of chitin. The wings of cockroaches are present in the thorax region. The Thorax is again divided into $3$ parts, i.e., prothorax, mesothorax and metathorax. The wings of cockroaches are present in the thorax region and a pair of legs are also present in each thoracic region.

Complete answer:
Both mesothorax and metathorax contain one pair of wings each. So, cockroaches have $2$ pairs of wings in total. The first pair of wings arise from the mesothorax and the second pair of wings arise from the metathorax. The two pairs of wings are different from one another. The first pair of wings are called Tegmina or forewings which arise from the mesothoracic region. Tegmina is dark in colour and opaque in nature. The metathoracic wings are called hindwings. They are transparent and membranous in nature. Hindwings are thin as compared to the forewings. When the cockroach is in a resting position it hides the hindwings. Hindwings are responsible for flying in cockroaches.

Note:
The forewings are leathery in appearance, i.e., they are heavy and are mainly protective in nature. Hence, forewings cannot be used by cockroaches for flight. On the other hand, forewings which arise from the metathorax are transparent and light in nature, therefore, hindwings are used for flight in cockroaches. Cockroaches have a long pair of antennae that help them to find smells and vibrations.