Colony Notes

Roach species differ in adult size, climbing ability, reproduction rate and moisture needs. Use the scientific name in the listing when researching enclosure design so care advice matches the species you are actually buying.

Product Information

Distribution: Central & South America, Costa Rica, French Guyana, Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay Description: Dubia Roaches (Blaptica dubia) are quickly becoming one of the most popular and quality feeders for a variety of reptiles, amphibians, and arachnids. They are so popular that breeders often sell out due to the high demand. Dubia roaches come in various sizes.

When born they are approximately 1/8" as a nymph and grow to 1 1/2" to 2" as adults. Dubia roaches are long lived: males usually live 12-18 months while females may live upto 2 years. Compare this to the lifespan of a cricket which only lives 9-10 weeks and the tendency of mealworms, supwerworms or crickets in terms of the relative amount of protein (28% in Dubia roaches as compared to the 19-20% in the other feeder insects).

Protein, in paticular, is more important for reptiles than fats or carbohydrates (although smaller amounts of these two types of nutrients are required as well. The dubias also do not produce a smell like crickets do. They are odorless and produce no sounds unlike the chirping of a cricket.

Dubia roaches do not climb or fly: as long as they are kept in a smooth glass or plastic enclosure, they are unable to escape by climbing or flying out. Although the male roaches, who, in contrast to the females, have wings, are able to hover briefly, they are unable to gain any altitude and escape from a smooth-sided container. If any roaches should leave their enclosure, usually due to human carelessness or gaps in front-opening reptile cages, they will not survive or breed in the temperature climates where many reptiles are kept.

Roaches do quality in dark, warm areas. The quality place to keep them is in a dark closet or unused room out of sight.