News Animals

How roaches developed disgust at first bite

A change in taste cells makes glucose-baited traps repellent

BITTERSWEET German cockroaches have fought back against bait traps that pair sugar with poison. Over time, the insects have developed taste cells that register sugar as disgusting. 

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By Susan Milius

- More than 2 years ago

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Cockroaches that don’t fall for traps’ sweet poisons have evolved taste cells that register sugar as bitter.