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