Describe the female reproductive system of a cockroach.

(A) $\Rightarrow$ The female reproductive system consists of two large ovaries lying laterally in the $2^{nd}-6^{th}$ abdominal segments.
$\Rightarrow$ Each ovary is formed of a group of eight ovarian tubules or ovarioles containing a chain of developing ova.
$\Rightarrow$ Oviducts of each ovary unite into a single median oviduct (also called vagina) which opens into the genital chamber.
$\Rightarrow$ $A$ pair of spermatheca is present in the $6^{th}$ segment which opens into the genital chamber.
$\Rightarrow$ During mating,sperm are transferred to the spermatheca. Fertilization occurs as eggs pass through the genital chamber.
$\Rightarrow$ Collateral glands present in the female cockroach secrete a substance that forms the ootheca.
$\Rightarrow$ Fertilized eggs are encased in capsules called oothecae. An ootheca is a dark reddish to blackish brown capsule,about $8 \ mm$ long. They are dropped or glued to a suitable surface,usually in a crack or crevice with high relative humidity near a food source.