Updated: March 30, 2023

When you think of hobbies, collecting stamps, coins, or even rocks might come to mind. But for one young girl, her hobby is a little more unusual – she collects cockroaches.

Meet Emily, a 12-year-old girl from Kansas who has developed a fascination with these often-reviled insects. While many people would be repulsed by the idea of having cockroaches in their home, Emily loves nothing more than spending time with her collection.

How It All Began

Emily’s interest in cockroaches began when she was just six years old. Her family had recently moved into a new home and discovered that they had a bit of a roach problem. While most people would call an exterminator or try to get rid of the pests as quickly as possible, Emily was fascinated by them.

She started to observe the roaches in her home, watching as they scurried across the floor and up the walls. She began to learn about their behavior and anatomy, reading everything she could find about these insects.

Soon, Emily decided that she wanted to start collecting cockroaches. Her parents were hesitant at first, but eventually agreed to let her keep some of the insects as pets.

Emily’s Collection

Emily’s cockroach collection currently includes over 100 specimens from around the world. She keeps them in special terrariums in her bedroom, carefully monitoring their environments to ensure that they are healthy and happy.

Her collection includes several different species of cockroaches, each with their own unique characteristics. Some are small and fast-moving, while others are larger and more docile. Emily has even named some of her favorite roaches, like “Buddy” and “Rosie”.

The Benefits of Cockroach Collecting

While many people might find the idea of collecting cockroaches to be strange or even gross, Emily sees it as a valuable learning experience. Her hobby has taught her about biology, zoology, and entomology. She has also developed a deep appreciation for these often-misunderstood insects.

Emily hopes that her collection will help to dispel some of the myths about cockroaches. “They’re not just dirty pests,” she says. “They’re fascinating creatures with their own unique personalities.”

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Aren’t cockroaches dirty and disease-ridden?

A: While some species of cockroaches can carry diseases, many others are harmless. Emily takes great care to keep her collection clean and healthy.

Q: Don’t cockroaches reproduce quickly? Won’t your collection get out of control?

A: Emily is careful to keep her collection under control by monitoring the number of cockroaches she has and ensuring that they are all well-cared for. She also separates males and females to prevent any unexpected breeding.

Q: What do you do with your cockroaches when they die?

A: Emily treats her dead cockroaches with respect by burying them in her backyard. She says that each roach has its own unique personality and deserves to be remembered.

Overall, Emily’s hobby might be unusual, but it is a testament to the fact that there is beauty and wonder to be found in even the most unexpected places. Who knows – maybe one day, collecting cockroaches will become a more mainstream pastime!