The numbers
Enclosure
30L+ humid, ventilated bin; nymphs climb - barrier + tight lid
Diet
Veg/fruit + grain/protein dry feed · 2-3x/week
Temperature
26-30C
Humidity
60-80%
Identity
Order / Family
Blattodea
IUCN / CITES
Not evaluated; not CITES
Difficulty
Beginner–Intermediate
Commonality
Popular large, attractive display roach
Adult size
Body 55-70mm; cream pronotum, peppered pattern
Lifespan
2-4 yrs (slow-maturing)
Growth rate
Slow (nymphs take 1-2 yrs)
Activity & niche
Nocturnal detritivore; burrows and climbs bark
Temperament
Very docile; harmless
Venom / defense
Harmless - no bite/venom
Price (THB)
indicative ~150-500 (culture)
Enclosure and conditions
Temperature
26-30C
Humidity
60-80%
Min. enclosure
30L+ humid, ventilated bin; nymphs climb - barrier + tight lid
Substrate
Coco/peat + leaf litter 5-8cm; cork bark hides
Hides / decor / water
Cork bark, leaf litter; water crystals or moist veg
Diet
Staple food
Veg/fruit + grain/protein dry feed
Feeding frequency
2-3x/week
Supplements
Protein for breeding
Behaviour and handling
Handling
Docile - a good handling roach
Communal
Colonial - keep in groups
Defense / stress signs
Burrowing, slow retreat
Reproduction
Reproduction
Ovoviviparous (live-bearing); slow to build a colony
Common health problems
Common health issues
SignsMould, mites, dehydration if too dry
Red flags / quarantine
SignsNymphs climb - barrier + lid; quarantine for mites; never release
Good to know
- Nymphs are champion burrowers, vanishing into substrate; adults show a marbled 'peppered' shell
Others in this group
Madagascar hissing cockroachGromphadorhina portentosaDubia roach (feeder staple)Blaptica dubiaRed runner / Turkestan roach (feeder)Shelfordella lateralis (Blatta lateralis)Death's head cockroachBlaberus craniiferGiant cave cockroachBlaberus giganteusGreen banana roachPanchlora niveaDomino roach (seven-spot)Therea petiverianaHalloween hisserElliptorhina javanica