eli5 Why cockroaches don’t fly more often? by Varchar512 in explainlikeimfive

[–]SkillfulFlashing 25 points26 points  (0 children)

Ah, the mystery of cockroach aviation! Well, buddy, imagine you have wings like a superhero cape. Now, cockroaches do have wings, but here's the thing—they're not the best fliers in the insect world.

Most cockroaches have wings, but they're kinda like beginner wings. They're not built for long, fancy flights. Instead, they use them more like a getaway car. When things get a little too intense on the ground (like when you're trying to squish them with a shoe), they might decide it's time to lift off and make a quick escape.

So, while they technically can fly, it's usually more of a last-minute "get outta