Female cockroaches produce egg capsules which are also known as “oothecae”. An ootheca contains many eggs and it is covered by a protein substance which hardens into a strong, protective casing. Some cockroaches drop the egg capsule while other carry it until the eggs hatch.

American cockroach ‘s oothecae are dark brown and 8 mm in length. A female can produce 6 – 90 oothecae in their life. The female American cockroaches carry egg capsules for a few hours to a few days. After that, they deposit the egg capsules in a safe and hidden location. An American cockroach ‘s ootheca contains approximately 15 embryos and remains in place through female’s salvia. Young cockroaches will emerge from the ootheca in 24 – 38 days.

Brown – band cockroach’s oothecae are light reddish – brown and approximately 5 mm. The females produce 20 egg capsules in their lifecycle. Each egg capsule contains 10 -18 embryos. Brown – brand cockroach larva can be distinguished through two yellow bands that cross their upper abdomens. Nymphs develop fully to adults within three to six months.

Orient cockroach lay oothecae which are dark reddish – brown and 8 – 10 mm in length. These oothecae are slightly inflated and each of them contains approximately 16 eggs. The females deposit oothecae in ideal environment after they produce. Nymphs often spend 600 days to develop fully to adults. However, their stages depend on weather conditions.

German cockroach ‘s oothecae are brown in color and measure less than 6 to 9 mm in length. The females carry oothecae until they egg are ready to hatch. Each ootheca contains about 50 eggs. The average time for their full development is about 103 days. Because German cockroaches produce a huge number of eggs and they develop dramatically, the population raise very quickly.