Table Mountain cockroach

The  Cape Mountain Cockroach ,  Giant Cockroach  or  Table Mountain Cockroach  ( Aptera fusca ) is a large  cockroach  which is widespread on low vegetation in open areas  [1]  in the  fynbos  biome of the  Western Cape  region of  South Africa. Adult females can be from 30 to 40 millimetres (1.2 to 1.6 in) long. Males are slightly smaller (body length 29 millimetres (1.1 in)) and have dark brown  wings, which are absent in females. It is stoutly built, with a reddish head and brown to black body segments with prominent yellow margins. [1] The  femora  are heavily spined, with the hind  tibiae  having two very broad ridges with only two rows of spurs. [1]  They are nocturnal and herbivorous. [2]  Unusually for insects, it gives birth to 18–24 live offspring and protects the young for a while after giving birth. Family groups are found in late summer and autumn: a brood of black nymphs, a wingless female and two or more males, all living in a hidden crack. [2]  When alarmed, it raises its abdomen into the air and squeaks loudly; [1] [3]  it also releases a foul-smelling liquid from glands on the back  [2]  when handled and alarmed, producing an indelible brown stain on skin. The only other species in the genus  Aptera ,  A. munda, is rare, and is found in the  Richtersveld.