I used to have a phobia of cockroaches.
Total freak out. I used to get panic attacks when I saw them. I got over that when living in South America- kinda had to as they loved the place in Argentina I was renting in Iguazu- it was either perpetual terror or deal with it- so I dealt with it but was still not too keen. Then there was this 'come and see the scary animals' stall in the town where I lived in Wales- run by an animal education charity. they bring weird and wonderful species to encourage urban dwellers, especially kids, to marvel and learn a little about biodiversity. I stopped by, there was a hissing cockroach there- and I was trying to make friends with it, to summon up the courage to stay in close proximity to it wihtout freaking. I was telling the guy on the stand how much I hated cockroaches- and how useless and good for nothing they were, how they spread disease and woudl even survive nuclear attack. He looked hurt, shocked even, and told me. "No man, they eat all the detritus and their waste is super fertiliser- all the rainforests, and loads of primary forest grew ONLY as a consequence of cockroaches. Which basically means they are responsible for loads of diversity and life." Mind totally blown. I realised that I was only frightened of cockroaches the way humans have a fear of anything sacred and primal. They are vital species. We need them. They totally rock. When all else goes they will still be there- caretaking the earth so it can rejuvenate. And now I find out today- reading this cockroach milk article that like Mammals- they give birth to live young and produce their own milk, which, incidentally, is a super protein. WTAF! Link species or what? Cockroaches are amazing. I love them, and I will brook no further argument. Men In Black is just anti cockroach propaganda. I still don't want to cuddle them though. x
http://www.sciencealert.com/scientists-show-why-we-should-all-start-drinking-cockroach-milk