How difficult is it to keep Atropos roach?

Beginner. This is a beginner-friendly species. No special equipment or experience is required, and it can be kept successfully with basic care setup.

What should I feed Atropos roach?

Atropos roach feeds on: Omnivorous (vegetables, fruit, prepared insect food, leaf litter). Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.

What is the typical price for Atropos roach?

The price of Atropos roach varies significantly depending on morph, size, and lineage. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.

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Atropos roach

Beginner

Blaberus atropos

A large Blaberus cockroach from the Neotropics. Like its relatives such as the death's head roach, it keeps the ootheca inside its abdomen until the nymphs hatch.

Difficulty

Beginner

Lifespan

Little data

Size

Little data (a large Blaberus)

Diet

Omnivorous (vegetables, fruit, prepared insect food, leaf litter)

About

Blaberus atropos (Stoll, 1813) is a cockroach of the family Blaberidae described in 1813. The Catalogue of Life gives records from Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago, and GBIF also holds observations from Brazil, Colombia and elsewhere in Central and South America. Blaberus is a Neotropical genus of large cockroaches with more than 30 valid species, several of which, such as B. discoidalis, are widely kept by hobbyists for display or as feeders. Members of the genus keep the ootheca inside the abdomen rather than dropping it, and give birth to live nymphs. Little has been published on the size or life history of this species in particular, and it resembles B. craniifer, B. discoidalis and B. giganteus, so check the scientific name and origin when buying. In Japan it is occasionally sold by specialist shops alongside other members of the genus.

Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Temperature & humidity for the Atropos roach

Captive breeding in the genus is said to need relative humidity of 60% or more and temperatures above 25 C, with 28-30 C best.

Basic Info

Origin

Central and South America (Guyana, Trinidad and Tobago and elsewhere)

Lifespan

Little data

Size

Little data (a large Blaberus)

Diet

Omnivorous (vegetables, fruit, prepared insect food, leaf litter)

Care Guide

References & Sources

Edited & verified by: BreederDirect editorial team

The taxonomic, regulatory, and husbandry data on this page are compiled and verified against the authoritative primary sources below.

Primary sources

Taxonomy & Authority

Accepted name: Blaberus atropos (Stoll, 1813)

Synonyms: Blabera fusca Brunner von Wattenwyl, 1865, Blabera laticollis Walker, 1868

Authority databases: GBIF · GBIF

Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.

Regulations & Conservation Status

Not CITES-listed

It is not a designated invasive species, an uncategorised alien species or a taxon needing an identification certificate in Japan, and it is not listed by CITES (September 2026). It is a non-native cockroach, so never release captive animals.

Sources: Ministry of the Environment: List of regulated alien species, including taxa needing an identification certificate (JA) / Species+ CITES query (not listed)

Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.