Agonistic behavior in the German cockroach, Blattella germanica

Agonistic behavior in Blattella germanica is delineated with an emphasis on fighting techniques and population factors affecting aggressiveness. Male-male, male-female, and male-male encounters are not significantly different in either level of aggressiveness or frequency. Female-female carrying oothecae are, however, more aggressive than other female-female. The mean intensity of aggression increases as population density is increased, but number of contacts per individual per unit time remains constant. Defense of specific, territories does not occur and aggressive interactions are most common during the dark portion of the photocycle, when many of the cockroaches are observed to be foraging.