searchable PDF - Association for Mexican Cave Studies

1936). Although these doubtless utilize the cenotesas places in which to deposit their eggs, they are certainlynot part of the true cave fauna. Nymphs of afew additional species have been collected from caveswhich receive floodwaters, but none should he consideredmore than accidentals.Order BlattodeaRoaches are frequently found in caves, both in theentrance area and in total darkness, and are certainlyimportant aspects of the cavernicole fauna. Large collectionsfrom all parts of Mexico await study, and thebrief summary of the families recorded from caveswill doubtless be considerably expanded when thismaterial is studied.Family BlaberidaeThe most conspicuous roaches which inhabit cavesare the larger species of the family Blaberidae. Blaberusatropos (Stoll) and B. craniifer Burmeister havebeen reported from caves in Yucatan (Pearse, 1938b).The latter species is also extraordinarily abundant inGrutas de Juxtlahuaca, Guerrero, where it nearlycovers the walls and floor of the principal bat room.Fisk (1977) also reported this species from Cueva delRancho San Miguel, Chiapas. Blaberus giganteusGUATEMALA/, ./r,.... ,...--Fig. 68.-Distribution of troglobitic and troglophilic thysanurans of the family Nicoletiidae: 1, Undescribed troglobiticNicoletiidae; 2, Anelpistina anophthalma; 3, A. boneti.205