What do adult female cockroaches produce that contain the eggs?

Adult female cockroaches produce a structure known as the ootheca, which is a protective casing that contains their eggs. The ootheca serves several important purposes: it ensures the eggs are safeguarded from environmental hazards and predators, and it provides a controlled environment that promotes the development of the embryos inside. Typically, each ootheca can contain multiple eggs, depending on the species of cockroach.

The ootheca itself is often brown or black and can vary in size and shape, but it generally resembles a small, flattened capsule. As the female cockroach prepares to give birth, she usually carries the ootheca until the eggs are almost ready to hatch, at which point she will deposit it in a sheltered environment. This reproductive strategy enhances the likelihood of the survival of the young cockroaches once they emerge.

In contrast, the other options such as capsules, antennae, and eggs do not accurately describe the protective structure that female cockroaches create for their eggs. Capsules might incorrectly suggest a generic container, antennae are sensory appendages used for navigation and communication, and while eggs are indeed produced by female cockroaches, they are not the structural component designed to house them. Overall, the ootheca is essential