This article is about a rare and relatively unknown insect hybrid that is sadly facing extinction. The cockerfly has the large body of the common domestic cockroach, but the fragile and brightly colored wings of the butterfly.
The main predator of the cockerfly is the domesticated housecat, and it’s place on the endangered species list is no doubt caused by the combination of these unlikely traits: The scurrying nature of the cockroach combined with the feline attention getting wings that prevent it from hiding in the usual cockroach hiding places.
Scientists are predictably concerned about the probable demise of the species, as noted in the original article:
Unsuccessful efforts have been taken to increase their population numbers by breeding them in captivity. Despite their best efforts, scientists were unable to set the mood to encourage mating amongst cockerflies. Scientists’ spouses were not surprised.
In this writer’s opinion, the cockerfly has scant marginal value over the cockroach, and is undoubtedly far inferior to an actual butterfly, so the only downside to the disappearance of this ungainly entomological amalgam is that when the last one disappears you’ll lose the opportunity to stick a pin in a really weird bug.
Be sure to visit the instructable for more information on cockerflies, and how you can make, errr, that is, get one of your very own.
Steve Ravet
EDN Gadgeteer
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