Radroach

Radroaches or simply giant cockroaches are obviously giant versions of the regular cockroaches mutated by radiation - there was never any doubt that they would survive a nuclear war. Found mainly in underground areas and sewers, these creatures can usually be found in fairly large groups. They feed on the dead, but will go after living creatures if isolated. Their numbers are usually their greatest advantage. Radroaches live mostly in the areas east of California.

It is said that cockroach guts are actually useful in the treatment of radiation poisoning, and are widely used by tribals for that purpose.

Variations
There are several variations of giant cockroaches - some bigger and some smaller. There have even been rumors of sightings of cockroaches as big as cars.



In Texas a variation called a "flying roach" can be found. When attacking, they leap through the air and claw or bite a targeted creature - dodge quickly to avoid these flying pests, as they are very mobile. Their appearance is not very cockroach-like and they apparenly have a set of human-like teeth.

Appearances in games
Giant cockroaches appear in Fallout Tactics, Fallout: Brotherhood of Steel, and were to appear in Van Buren. They were also mentioned in Fallout Bible 1. Radroaches appear in Fallout 3, where they appear to be ordinary cockroaches mutated to about the size of a housecat. They are such a low threat that the player character is tasked with killing one at the tender age of ten with a BB Gun. According to Moira Brown they taste like dirty feet. Despite their lowly status, they should not be underestimated in groups. They attack very quickly once they engage and can be a nuisance in packs. Also, they do not seem to attack unless threatened, I.E. encroaching on their territory or firing on one (in Fallout 3 only). They will usually spread their wings and duck their head as a warning before beginning an attack. Don't waste bullits on them, one attack in V.A.T.S causes the player to step on them ending their pathitic life in an instent.