A number of different species of cockroach are bred around the world for private and commercial production. Due to the wide range of species bred in captivity, we have provided a brief description of the common species, with links to websites for further information.

Once or twice a year you will want to add additional stock to your collection, to prevent inbreeding.  Ideally you will choose a species which can be easily accessed by local pet stores or commercial breeders.  Below is a summary of the characteristics of some of the most common species:

Dubia Cockroach (Blaptica dubia)

• An easy and reliable species to breed, and are consequently very popular¹.
• A relatively small cockroach that is suitable to feeding smaller animals¹.
• Slow moving species, which are less shy than other species¹
• Live bearing species¹
• Are poor climbers, and are not good at scaling smooth surfaces¹
• Species is sexually dimorphic, with males having larger wings than the females¹
• Males have shorter lifespans than females¹.
• Require mid humidity levels, however are more tolerable to low humidity most species. They do much better when good moisture is provided¹.

Websites with further information:

•  http://www.nyworms.com/dubiacare.htm (information provided above¹)
• http://.ntlworld.com/bandung/roaches/

Madagascar Hissing Cockroach (Gromphradorhina portentosa)

• Are a large species that are well suited as feeders for all the larger species of lizards¹.
• Are live bearers, with a gestation period of about 60 days. The nymphs are born about 6mm (1/4 inch) in size with approximately 30 born at one time¹.
• Adults are not aggressive to young. With higher temperatures, the nymphs can reach adult size in about 3 months. With less heat it may take five months or longer¹.
• This species can live and breed 2 to 3 years or longer. Approximately two or three batches of young can be produced each year¹.
• They are good climbers and a barrier cream (Vaseline, Fluon) is required to prevent escapees.
• Require low to medium humidity.

Websites with further information:

• http://www.nyworms.com/dubiacare.htm (information provided above¹)
•  http://.ntlworld.com/bandung/roaches/
•  http://users.usachoice.net/~swb/pet_arthropod/hiss.htm

Discoid Cockroaches (Blaberus discoidales)

• Popular mid-sized cockroach¹.
• Non-climbing, non-flying species that produce live young¹.
• Tropical species, native to northern parts of South America.
• Shy species¹.
• Substrate is not required, however they enjoy burrowing if substrate if provided¹.
• This species require a good supply of moisture at all times¹.
• Require low to medium humidity.
• Slow to breed, but productive when there is sufficient breeding adults¹

Websites with further information:

• http://www.nyworms.com/dubiacare.htm (information provided above¹)
• http://.ntlworld.com/bandung/roaches/

Orange Headed Cockroaches (Eublaberus prosticus)

• Have a bright orange head when they reach adult hood¹.
• Good productive breeders¹.
• Non climbing, non-flying species¹
• Live bearing¹
• Nymphs are a deep red color¹.
• Produce a defensive odor when disturbed.
• Tropical species, requiring high temperatures¹.

Websites with further information:

–         http://www.nyworms.com/dubiacare.htm (information provided above¹)

Speckled or Lobster Cockroaches (Nauphoeta cinerea)

• Life span approximately 12 months².
• Worldwide distribution, original home believed to be East Africa².
• Have approximately 26-40 eggs at a time².
• Are exceptionally good climbers, being able to scale most surfaces, and often escape without proper barrier creams such as Vaseline or Fluon².
• I have found that escapees of this species can establish in houses and sheds. Photo of this species is shown in photo 2.3 below.

Websites with further information:

•  http://www.herpshop.com.au/CareSheets/FeaderRoach.html(information provided above²)

© Zega Enterprises 2018 , ©  Photographs, diagrams and tables by Glenn Kvassay or as credited 2018