i remember reading a science oriented magazine a few years back that gave quite a different explanation of why many insects(not sure if all do) wind up on their backs when they die… the article stated some commonly known facts, like the size and shapes of the “bugs” and commented on gravity working on objects whether they were alive or dead… it concluded flies (the insect the article was mainly focused on) wound up belly up because of gravity. gravity constantly pulls down (duh) and with something that can’t resist gravity (a dead bug) the tendency over time is that it is pulled untill it’s largest surface is against the ground. when the flies died, their legs came closer to their body and offered little resistance. the fly simply tumbled over and was on it’s back… i’m sure that this could be the same with the roaches… next time you clean your attic check the dead flies, at least 95% of them should be on their back, unless they are wedged between something or leaning against something… just another possible explanation??
You should always post a link to the column you are referring to. So other can see what you are talking about.
This is the one you were referring to.
The column can also be found on pages 24-25 of Cecil Adams’ book «The Straight Dope (1984; reissued 1986, 1998)».
getatme11, do you remember the name of the magazine? Was it Science News, Nature, Scientific American?
unfortunately, i do not know the name of the magazine, and don’t think i ever will… it was one of those at the doctor’s or dentsit magazines that you just browse through while waiting… although i have since seen a similar, yet smaller article in a childrens science magazine from a few years back… i believe the name of it is 3-2-1 Contact?? it was a very small section where they answer questions kids send in, and that magazine i just might be able to scrounge up…