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Death's Head Roach

Blaberus craniifer

BlaberusBlaberidae

beginner

Overview

A large, hardy display roach named for the skull-like marking on its pronotum. One of the easiest roaches to keep — colony-friendly with low aggression. Keep it warm (80-90°F breeds fastest) with a 50/50 humidity gradient: one moist half, one dry. All stages burrow, but provide vertical bark hides for the final molt to adult. Feed roach chow plus fruit and veg; moisture from produce/substrate, not a water dish (drowning risk). Harmless. Note: a strong climber — use a secure, vented lid.

Husbandry Requirements

Temperature & Humidity

Temperature

75-90°F

Humidity

55-85%

Enclosure Sizes

Adult:ventilated bin/tank with a secure lid

Substrate

Type:coco fiber/peat, moist on one side (50/50 gradient); bark & vertical hides
Depth:3-4 inches

Feeding Schedule

Adult:continuous (chow + fresh produce for moisture)

Prey size: omnivore — roach chow/dry dog food, fruit, veg, occasional protein

Quick Stats

Type

terrestrial

Adult Size

5-6 cm

Growth Rate

medium

Native Region

Mexico, Central America, Caribbean

Temperament

hardy, docile; burrows

Behavior

Webbing
BurrowingYes
Water DishOptional

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