Question

In cockroach, ootheca is formed by secretion of
A. Phallic gland
B. Mushroom gland
C. Colleterial gland
D. All of the above

Answer 1

Ootheca is a mass of eggs inside a covering that is made up of different structural proteins and tanning agents which provide protection and stability to the eggs present inside it.

Complete answer:
Ootheca is a hard purse shaped structure which is produced after a week of mating and is formed by the left and right colleterial glands. The eggs are laid in the ootheca. An average female cockroach produces one ootheca each month which contains around 16 eggs and it will carry it on it back until it finds a safe place for it. Usually the ootheca is placed near a source of food and is attached to a surface with the help of secretion from the cockroach mouth. It has sufficient water for the development of the eggs.
Colleterial glands are present in the third and fourth segments of female cockroach produce secretions which become rigid, tanned and sculpted outer casting of the ootheca.

Hence, the correct answer is option (C).

Additional information:
Phallic glands are also known as conglobate glands and are present in male reproductive system of cockroaches. It is a club shaped gland present below the ejaculatory duct and is responsible for the secretion of covering of spermatophore (a capsule containing mass of sperms)
Mushroom glands are large male accessory glands located at the junction of vasa deferentia and the ejaculatory duct. They consist of three glandular tubes: utriculi majores/ peripheral long tubes, uticuli breviores/ central short tubules and bulbous seminal vesicles. They secrete fluid for the nourishment of sperms.

Note: Usually the ootheca is placed near a source of food and is attached to a surface with the help of secretion from the cockroach mouth. It has sufficient water for the development of the eggs.