What is the difference between a cockroach and a water bug?

Answer by  EddyNfld (147)

Cockroachs are from the order Blattaria. Land dwelling insect with 6 legs Water Bugs are from the order Hemiptera. Water dwelling insects with 6 legs to stride on water.

Answer by  JodiJ (312)

Here in the United States the two terms are used interchangeably for referring to the common or oriental cockroach. In the scientific world the two insects are different types, cockroach refers to species that can't fly while water bugs can.

Answer by  boxsofrain (207)

The cockroach and the water bug come from two different orders making them two different animals! Cockroaches are sometimes refered to as water bugs because they like to hang out in warm and swampy areas. Waterbugs are always in water and unlike cockraoches, they use their legs to paddle. Unlike waterbugs, Cockroaches are noctural and can spread diseases.