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: Turkistan,, Middles East, and Now colonies can be found in the wild in the United States Description: The Turkistan Roach (Blatta lateralis) are a small fast moving roach. They are excellent feeder for animals that want to chase there food. They can not climb glass or plastic at any age but adult males can sort of fly but is more of a controlled fall.

Nick Names: Red Runners, Rusty Reds, Turkistan Roach, Turkestan Roach, Red Runner Size: 1/8th inch when hatched to 1 inch as adults Sexing: Adult Blatta lateralis are sexually dimorphic, males have wings and females do not. Lifespan: 6-12 months Difficulty Level: Easy Caging: Blatta lateralis cannot climb glass or plastic. I like to house all of my roaches in rubbermaid or sterlite containers with screened lids.

Substrate: I use egg crates positioned vertically for additional floor/living space in the sterlite tubs. A substrate of peat moss can be used as can other soil mixtures. We do not use a substrate at Pritchett's Small Pets.

If you use any kind of substrate from a hardware store or garden center, MAKE SURE IT IS FERTILIZER AND PESTICIDE FREE! Required Temperatures: 78 - 95 degrees F Humidity: 40%-50% You can keep a spray bottle handy to help keep humidity up in dry areas. If you use a substrate wetting it down periodically can help maintain proper humidity as well.

Food Requirements: Blatta lateralis will eat almost anything. I keep my home made dry roach food available to them at all times.