Cockroaches Also Have Ecological Value – Filipino Scholars Advocate for Greater Research Attention

Cristian Lucanas, an entomologist at the University of the Philippines, has long studied cockroaches. He points out that although cockroaches are often seen as disgusting pests that spread disease, they play a key role in Earth's ecosystems and deserve more attention and research.

31-year-old Lucanas has discovered 15 species of cockroaches, and his peers refer to him as the “Ipis Lord.” He admits that he disliked cockroaches as a child and usually just tells people that he “works at a museum” when introducing his work.

About 130 species of cockroaches are known in the Philippines, three-quarters of which are endemic to the country. He believes that there may be about 200 native species yet to be recorded.

Lucanas points out that cockroaches, like dung beetles and earthworms, are decomposers. Their main function is to break down dead organic matter, including the bodies of their own kind, and return nutrients to the soil.

He emphasizes that although some cockroaches carry germs, without them, decomposition would slow down, and ecosystem function would be hindered.

“Cockroaches play an essential role in the ecosystem. If they disappeared, the operation of the ecosystem would be affected.”

He also clarifies that cockroaches are not the so-called “indestructible” creatures that could survive a nuclear war—such claims are unfounded, as they are subject to the same biological and environmental threats as other organisms.