Where’s the Raid
when you need it?

A team of scientists at Ohio State University are all atwitter about a cockroach fossil that measures 3.5 inches long, describing the insect as one that would make a T-rex jump.

That's a big bug, but not much larger than the roaches that thrive in Hawaii's permissive environment, and the ones here have learned to fly. I've seen these sewer canaries ride the thermals at sunset, soaring high enough to reach a 21st-floor lanai of an apartment. They have so much bulk there's a thud when they land.

The scientists say the 300-year-old fossil was so complete that they can see its legs and antennae folded around its body, as well as its mouth parts. Yuck, spare us the details. They think the roach was in such good shape because of the preservative chemistry at the site it was discovered. I think it was because no one had a rubber slipper to squish it.

--Cynthia Oi

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