Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1538719
6 gozotoday | FRIDAY • 22 AUGUST 2025 CULTURE THE Asian cockroach (Blattella asahinai) has been found in Gozo, ac- cording to a new study that also identified the Tawny cockroach (Ecto- bius pallidus) as another species newly recorded on the island. The research, titled On the origin of cockroaches of the Maltese islands and led by Maltese entomolo- gist and pest expert Ar- nold Sciberras, examined the history and spread of cockroach populations through fossil records, historical accounts, and modern infestations. The Asian cockroach poses concerns for pest control in Gozo. Unlike the German cockroach, which it closely resem- bles, it is a strong flier and is attracted to light, often entering homes. The Tawny cockroach was found in March 2025 in Pembroke Malta and August 2025 the first time in nadur gozo . Also gozo has its own unique species of cockroach that was found on Fungus rock- Jeffrey's Fungus rock cockroach Hetero- gasmica jeffreyiana Sciberras' study cat- alogues the cockroach species present in Malta and Gozo and analyses their ecological roles, in- troduction pathways, and cultural references. He emphasises the impor- tance of continued mon- itoring to assess potential environmental and pub- lic health impacts. The full study is avail- able for readers seeking further details Asian cockroach found in Gozo: Study uncovers possible origins of cockroaches Heterogamisca jeffreyiana (right) A public talk and exhibition dedicated to the Chapel of St. Martha tal-Għonq will be held at the La Stella Philharmonic Society Club in Victoria. The public talk, focusing on the his- tory of the chapel, will take place on the 17th of September 2025 at 8:00 p.m., with contributions from historian Kurt Cassar, stat- ue custodian Albert Micallef, and former rector Mons. Gio- vanni Bosco Cremona. Following the talk, an exhi- bition of sacred objects from inside the chapel of St. Martha Tal-Għonq will be open to the public from the 18th to the 21st of September 2025, with vis- iting hours from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00p.m and 5:00 p.m to 8:00 p.m. Public talk and exhibition dedicated to the Chapel of St. Martha tal-Ghonq NOW in its 12th edition, the Ce- ramic Arts Collective Exhibition returns to the historic setting of the Cittadella Cultural Centre in Gozo, celebrating the creativity and craftsmanship of ceramic artists from across the Maltese Islands. This year's exhibition features the work of 30 established and emerging ceramic artists, each presenting their unique in- terpretation of clay through sculpture, form, texture, and glaze. Visitors can expect a rich diversity of techniques and themes, ranging from tra- ditional craft to contemporary artistic expression. Hosted with the support of the Ministry for Gozo, Cultural Heritage Directorate, Munxar Local Council, and ALKA Ce- ramics, the exhibition aims to inspire the public and offer a platform for dialogue between artists and the community. Open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, the exhibition in- vites both locals and visitors to immerse themselves in the evolving story of ceramic arts in Malta. 12th edition of the Ceramic Arts Collective exhibition returns