The animal that can live without its head for several weeks is the cockroach. Remarkably resilient, a cockroach can endure severe conditions that would be fatal to most other animals. It does not need a head for basic survival functions, as its brain is distributed throughout its body. The cockroach has a decentralized nervous system that allows it to move and perform vital functions without the head. However, it will eventually die from dehydration since it cannot drink water without its mouth. This unique survival capability has led to the perception that cockroaches are virtually indestructible.