Population density effect on oviposition behavior in Periplaneta fuliginosa (Dictyoptera: Blattidae)

The effect of population density on reproductive behavior of the smokybrown cockroach Periplaneta fuliginosa (Serville) was studied. Of the four substrates provided for oviposition sites, peat was used most frequently for oviposition, followed by a simulated wall void, marble chips, and bare floor. Population density did not affect the number of oothecae produced by an individual female. However, density did affect substrate choice, the wall void being used most and peat least at higher densities. Eclosion rate was not affected by population density nor was the rate with which oothecae were glued to a substrate. Oothecae glued to a substrate has a greater eclosion rate than those that were not glued. Two possible explanations for this effect are than females can assess viability of oothecae and the glue them to a substrate or that gluing enhances the viability of the oothecae in some way.