Dubia & Madagascar Hissing Cockroach Care Guide | How to Keep Feeder Insects and Pet Cockroaches
A comprehensive guide to caring for Dubia roaches (Blaptica dubia) and Madagascar Hissing Cockroaches (Gromphadorhina portentosa), popular as feeder insects for reptiles and amphibians and as ornamental pets. Covers essentials from container selection and temperature management to feeding, home breeding, feeder colony maintenance, and proper disposal methods—a practical guide for successfully keeping and breeding cockroach species.
Key Takeaways
A comprehensive guide to caring for Dubia roaches (Blaptica dubia) and Madagascar Hissing Cockroaches (Gromphadorhina portentosa), popular as feeder insects for reptiles and amphibians and as ornamental pets. Covers essentials from container selection and temperature management to feeding, home breeding, feeder colony maintenance, and proper disposal methods—a practical guide for successfully keeping and breeding cockroach species.
What Are Dubias? The World of Pet Cockroaches
While many find cockroaches unsettling, among reptile, amphibian, and large insect keepers, cockroach species such as Dubias (Blaptica dubia) and Madagascar Hissing Cockroaches (Gromphadorhina portentosa) are valued as important feeder insects. Beyond their nutritional role, these insects possess high ornamental value, and a growing community of enthusiasts enjoys keeping cockroaches as pets.
Why Cockroach Feeders Are Popular
| Reason | Details |
|---|---|
| Hard to escape | Dubias cannot climb walls (easy container management) |
| High nutritional value | Well-balanced protein, fat, and calcium content |
| Longer lifespan than crickets | Lower stress-related mortality; reduced breeding and maintenance costs |
| Quiet and odorless | No noise or foul odor unlike crickets |
| Easy to breed | Simple management due to live-bearing reproduction |
Dubia Cockroach Care
Basic Information
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Scientific name | Blaptica dubia |
| Common names | Argentine Forest Roach |
| Size | Males: 3.5–4.5 cm / Females: 4–5 cm |
| Lifespan | Males: 6–12 months / Females: 1.5–2 years |
| Origin | Central and South America |
| Ideal temperature | 28–32°C (breeding temperature) |
| Characteristics | Cannot climb walls; non-flying (males have wings but cannot fly) |
Housing
Container Selection
- Basic plastic food storage container (40L or larger)
- Low escape risk due to inability to climb glass or plastic walls
- Ventilation holes with mesh in the lid (prevents humidity buildup)
Hides (Shelter Spaces)
Dubias prefer dark, densely packed spaces.
- Stacked egg cartons are the most practical option
- Folded cardboard also works fine
- Stacking increases density and allows large-scale breeding in minimal space
Temperature and Humidity Management
Dubias are tropical natives and prefer high temperatures of 28–32°C.
- Use under-tank heaters or heat lamps for warming
- Breeding rate drops significantly below 25°C
- Maintain humidity at 40–60%; excessive dryness causes molting problems
Feeding (Feeder Colony Management)
What to Feed
- Vegetable scraps (outer cabbage leaves, carrots, apples, banana peels, etc.)
- Dog or cat food (high-protein supplementation)
- Flour or oatmeal (carbohydrate source)
- Commercial insect foods
Foods to Avoid
- High-sodium and processed foods
- Citrus fruits (low palatability; excess can upset digestion)
For water, gel-based water crystals prevent drowning while providing stable hydration. If using a water dish, keep water shallow or place a cotton pad inside.
Breeding
Dubias are ovoviviparous (females carry eggs internally and give birth to live nymphs).
- Females produce 20–35 nymphs per brood
- Gestation period: approximately 65 days (at 28–30°C)
- Time to maturity: 5–6 months at 28°C to 1 year at lower temperatures
Maintain a male-to-female ratio of 1:3–5 for colony sustainability. Too few males reduce mating opportunities; too many cause male-to-male competition and stress.
Madagascar Hissing Cockroach (Hissing Cockroach) Care
Basic Information
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Scientific name | Gromphadorhina portentosa |
| Size | 5–8 cm |
| Lifespan | 2–5 years |
| Characteristics | Produces a distinctive "hissing" sound by expelling air through abdominal spiracles |
| Ideal temperature | 25–30°C |
Madagascar Hissing Cockroaches are highly popular pets due to their impressive size and distinctive hissing sound. Since they can climb walls (including glass), secure the enclosure with a tight-fitting lid.
Appeal as Pets
- Slow, docile movements (can be handled)
- Many individuals don't flee when touched and relax on your hand
- Visually striking presence; enjoyable as display insects
- Male-to-male hissing battles are a highlight to observe
Habitat Requirements
- Glass or plastic terrarium (30×20×30 cm or larger)
- Tight-fitting lid is essential (due to wall-climbing ability)
- Driftwood or bark pieces as shelter
- Damp sphagnum moss in one corner helps maintain humidity
Feeding
Feed vegetables, fruits, and commercial foods (like dog food) similar to Dubias. Offer food 2–3 times per week and remove uneaten portions the next day to prevent spoilage.
Legal Considerations and Precautions
While some non-native cockroach species including Dubias are not regulated under invasive species law, care must be taken to prevent escapes into the wild and ensure proper husbandry. If disposal is necessary, freeze the insects for 24+ hours before placing in regular combustible waste.
Home-breeding cockroach feeder insects significantly reduces the cost of keeping reptiles and amphibians. While there may be initial hesitation, many keepers find themselves developing unexpected affection for these creatures once they begin breeding.