Spur Patterns on the Tibia and Femur of the German Cockroach (Blattodea: Blattellidae)

Spur patterns were observed on the tibias and femurs of all the legs throughout postembryonic development of the German cockroach, Blattella germanica (L.). All the spurs were named by a row-and-level method. Six rows of spurs were recognizable on the tibia in the adult stage. The number of spurs per row differed with rows and on the three pairs of legs. A clear gradient was found with respect to the size of spur: the more distal ones in the same row tended to be larger than the more proximal ones. Three rows were recognizable on the femur. Spurs on the femur were not always larger more distally but rather showed double gradients with respect to size. In the instars, both on the tibia and on the femur, spinelike hairs replaced the individual spurs of adults. The number of spurs steadily increased instar by instar until the last instar.