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: Tropical & Subtropical regions around the world, Often shipped in the soil of tropical plants, Established in the South East United States from North Carolina to Texas and commonly in Florida. Description: The are much different than any other roach we offer. This slow moving roach is a parthenogenic species.

This means that the entire colony is made up of female roaches. If a male is ever produced it is sterile and of no use to the colony. Males are rarely produced.

This species loves to burrow and is already an invasive species in Florida which is why we are allowed to ship this species to Florida. This roach if escaped can readily breed in house plants, or anywhere a soil substrate they can burrow is found. This species will attempt to fly but are very poor flyers.

Nick Names: Shadow Roach, Size: 4.5MM as Nymphs to 18-25MM as Adults Sexing: Shadow Roach females have shorter wings than the males Lifespan: 6-12 months Difficulty Level: Easy Caging: Pycnoscelus nigra roaches can 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 coconut coir or peat moss can be used as can other soil mixtures. We use coconut coir as a substrate at Pritchett's Small Pets.