The numbers
Enclosure
Tall ventilated bioactive bin with bark; climbers - barrier + tight lid
Diet
Veg/fruit + grain/protein dry feed; grazes biofilm/lichen · 2-3x/week
Temperature
22-27C (cooler; avoid heat)
Humidity
60-80%
Identity
Order / Family
Blattodea
IUCN / CITES
Not evaluated; not CITES
Difficulty
Intermediate–Advanced
Commonality
Rare, high-value Asian display species
Adult size
Body ~25-30mm; brilliant metallic emerald-green
Lifespan
1-2 yrs
Growth rate
Slow
Activity & niche
Diurnal-ish arboreal; climbs bark, active
Temperament
Docile, active; harmless
Venom / defense
Harmless - no bite/venom
Price (THB)
indicative ~800-3,000+ (rare, high demand)
Enclosure and conditions
Temperature
22-27C (cooler; avoid heat)
Humidity
60-80%
Min. enclosure
Tall ventilated bioactive bin with bark; climbers - barrier + tight lid
Substrate
Coco/peat + rotten wood/leaf litter; bioactive with springtails
Hides / decor / water
Cork bark, branches, leaf litter; light misting
Diet
Staple food
Veg/fruit + grain/protein dry feed; grazes biofilm/lichen
Feeding frequency
2-3x/week
Supplements
Protein for breeding
Behaviour and handling
Handling
Docile; active - handle over a bin
Communal
Colonial - keep in groups
Defense / stress signs
Quick climbing, retreat to bark
Reproduction
Reproduction
Ovoviviparous (live-bearing); small, slow broods
Common health problems
Common health issues
SignsHeat death, mould, mites, dehydration
Red flags / quarantine
SignsKeep cool + ventilated; climbers escape; quarantine; never release non-natives
Good to know
- One of the only truly metallic-green cockroaches - a living jewel that commands high prices
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