With over 4,500 species, cockroaches are one of the most widespread animal groups, thriving in diverse environments across nearly every continent. Despite their abundance, relatively little is known about their behavior and cognitive abilities. Blaberus discoidalis is a burrowing species found in substrates like decaying logs, and leaf litter, making it a valuable model for investigating habitat choice through substrate preferences. Here, we explored whether these preferences are fixed or influenced by rearing history by raising cockroaches in pine bedding (commonly used in animal care), coconut fiber (recommended for burrowing), or without a burrowing substrate (direct from a breeder). We also examined how testing environment (arena vs. T-maze) might shape behavior.
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