Cockroaches are well-known for their high resilience and adaptability. They can survive in harsh conditions that many other creatures cannot tolerate.
When it comes to food, the lifespan of a cockroach without it varies depending upon the species and environmental conditions. On average, an adult cockroach can live for about one month without food. This remarkable survival ability is due to their cold-blooded biology that allows them to have a low metabolism rate, hence they can efficiently use their internal food reserves.
German cockroaches, one of the most common types, can generally survive up to 12 days without food. The larger American cockroaches, on the other hand, have been known to stay alive without food for about a month.
Water, however, is a more pressing need for a cockroach. Most types of cockroaches can only live for about a week without water, which is why they are usually found in humid environments or near sources of water.
It's also worth noting that, while cockroaches can survive for extended periods without food, they will readily eat a variety of items not typically considered food, when they are hungry. This includes things like paper, leather, cloth, and even hair.
In conclusion, while most cockroaches can live for about a month without food, they generally cannot survive for more than a week without water. This survival ability is one of the reasons why cockroaches are such successful pests and why it's essential to eliminate not just food sources but also water sources when aiming to control or eliminate a roach problem.