South American Cockroaches
Blaptica dubia and Eublaberus prosticus (Blattaria: Blaberidae)
Cockroaches make excellent feeders and pets. Blaptica dubia, sometimes known as the Guyana spotted cockroach, and Eublaberus prosticus, the orange headed cockroach, are both from South America. Both species grow to 5 cm, breed readily in captivity, and will eat a variety of foods. These roaches are ideal food for large tarantulas because they are easy to rear, large, and don't climb glass like many other roaches do. Female B. dubia lack wings, making this species easier to sex. Eublaberus prosticus like to burrow under the substrate and may chew on the wings of other roaches. Therefore, it is important to feed this species a protein-rich diet.
Captive Requirements
| Housing: | Cage size depends on number of roaches |
| Communal: | Yes; can also be housed with millipedes and other roach species |
| Diet: | Fruit, veggies, bread, dog food, fish food, etc. |
| Substrate: | 10 cm of soil or peat moss |
| Decor: | Toilet paper rolls, cork bark, food & water dishes |
| Temperature: | 23.9 to 29.4° C (75 to 85° F) |
| Humidity: | Moderate |
| Temperament: | Docile |
| Considerations: | Some people develop roach allergies |
***Blaptica
dubia***
I got a handful of B. dubia a while back from a friend, and in no time at all I was hooked! These are wonderful insects to raise as feeders. Furthermore, they are entertaining to raise and don't move as fast as other roaches or climb glass. I have so many now, so if anyone wants a hook up, let me know! I think these are among the most beautiful of cockroaches.
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| Adults and nymphs | Packed in a TP roll |
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| Nymphs of various sizes |
Adult male and female mating | |
***Eublaberus
prosticus***
I received some E. prosticus from a fellow student at my university. It takes a bit of time to establish a good colony, and before I gave them enough time I decided to feed off the rest of them to my spiders (I already had so many B. dubia). When I was down to one female, I decided that I should get some juveniles and raise them as pets instead of feeders. Since my B. dubia colony is exploding, I will probably separate the E. prosticus males and females. I assume that no harm will come if I mix them with my African millipedes and hissing roaches. These are also very attractive roaches.
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| Adults | ||
Copyright © 2004-2006 By Emily Tenczar
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