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Citizen Science and the American Cockroach
We mostly know cockroaches as pests. But the American cockroach, Periplaneta americana, is one of the most successful species that have ever lived. Originating during the carboniferous period over 350 million years ago – even before the dinosaurs walked on earth – these bugs have continually adapted to a variety of environmental conditions. Very recently (relative to geologic time scales), the American cockroach has spread from it's native continent of Africa, hitching a ride on ships traveling all over the world, and is now very commonly found in nearly all major cities.
Because of this expansive natural history and wide-ranging habitat, the American cockroach can be a wealth of information when it comes to genetic diversity. Through DNA Barcoding, which is a genetic technique used to identify a specific species, researchers at The Rockefeller University hope to answer questions about the American cockroach, and unlock secrets of natural selection and evolution. But your help is needed!
High school student researcher eagerly seeks cockroach specimens
In collaboration with the Kronauer Laboratory for Insect Social Evolution and the Program for the Human Environment, a high school student is eagerly seeking (dead) cockroach specimens from any location in or around NYC and from other US cities. We are particularly interested in the large "waterbug" officially known as American cockroach (Periplaneta americana). Specimens will be analyzed by DNA barcoding to look for genetic variation including possible cryptic species.
Any specimen in any condition will be welcomed (squished or broken is OK). Contributors will be acknowledged on our website, unless you wish to remain anonymous. Please include collection date and location such as a street address or building.
Please send any inquiries via email to Mark Stoeckle (mark.stoeckle@rockefeller.edu) or phone (cell 646 385-3395).
You can mail your contribution to this citizen science project to:
Mark Stoeckle
Program for the Human Environment
1230 York Avenue
Author: Contributor
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7 thoughts on "Citizen Science and the American Cockroach"
There's a dead one in the tunnels by Founder's.
Emily Jane Dennis says:
got it! 🙂
Really interesting, thanks​!​
I think that you would be really interested in some recent research that I have come across about crowds and citizen science.​ ​
It's called "The Theory of Crowd Capital" and you can download it here if you're interested: http://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=2193115
Really powerful stuff!
H. Amalia Pasolli says:
You could check from time to time the women's restroom in DWB 1st floor. It is not rare to see cockroaches there running around.
Marcie Botti says:
Check the MOMA they were in the seating area in Main Entrance climbing the pilars and crawling on the floor on Mother's Day 2013.
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ABOUT THE INCUBATOR
The Incubator was originally started by Jeanne Garbarino, Joe Luna, and Jessica Wright in 2009. The name was inspired by a group of mallard ducks that find their way to the Rockfeller University every spring. These ducks travel not to a marsh, or a national park, but to a tiny patch of parkland within the densest urban area in the United States — Rockefeller University and our Faculty Club fountain.
The Incubator is now run by RockEDU Science Outreach. RockEDU's collaborative and creative team of scientists, educators, and support staff engage with science as a relevant, human endeavor, and aim to foster a genuine connection with science in our society.
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