Cockroach shows uricotelism. Excretion of uric acid is known as uricotelism and the animals which excrete uric acid are called uricotelic. Animals which live in dry conditions have to conserve water in their bodies. Therefore, they synthesize crystals of uric acid from ammonia. Uric acid crystals are non-toxic and almost insoluble in water. Hence, these can be retained in the body for a considerable time. Uricotelic animals include most insects, (e.g., cockroach), land reptiles (e.g., lizards and snakes) and birds.