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Blaberus discoidalis
A large feeder cockroach native to Central America. Tan with a dark patch on the pronotum, it cannot climb glass or fly. It is hardy and fast-breeding, with nymphs maturing in as little as three months under good conditions.
Blaberus discoidalis is a large blaberid from Central America, also known in English as the tropical cockroach, West Indian leaf cockroach and Haitian cockroach. Published descriptions give adults as 35-45 mm, while captive specimens of about 57 mm (female) and 45 mm (male) are recorded. It is tan with a dark brown to black patch on the pronotum. Unable to climb glass or fly, it has long been used as a feeder for tarantulas, bearded dragons and other insectivores, and as a laboratory subject. It is hardy and fast-breeding: under ideal conditions nymphs reach adulthood in as little as three months. Females retain the eggs in a brooding pouch, where they are fertilised by the male spermatophore. Note that untracked stock in the trade is often hybridised with the related Blaberus boliviensis.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
The Discoid Cockroach lives 1-2 years.
The Discoid Cockroach grows to 3.5-5.7cm.
The ideal temperature for the Discoid Cockroach is 21〜29℃.
Origin
Central America and the Caribbean (Haiti, Dominican Republic and neighbouring areas)
Lifespan
1-2 years
Sources: Roach Crossing: Discoid Roach / Wikipedia / GBIF
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.
Accepted name: Blaberus discoidalis Serville, 1838
Synonyms: Blabera cubensis Saussure, 1864, Blabera rufescens Saussure & Zehntner, 1894, Blabera subspurcata Walker, 1868
Authority databases: GBIF
Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.
Sources: CITES Appendices (species not listed)
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
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Size
3.5-5.7cm
Temperature
21〜29℃
Vegetables, fruit, grains, prepared insect food
Tolerates a wide 21-29 C; keep nearer 29 C to speed up breeding. Air humidity is not critical.
They cannot climb or fly, so a deep open-topped bin works. Stand egg crates for surface area and provide ventilation.
Combine vegetables and fruit with grains or prepared insect food, and gut-load before use as feeders.
No venom and no biting, and it is calm and easy to handle.
Untracked stock is often hybridised with Blaberus boliviensis, so check the source if a pure line matters. It is easily confused with the death's head roach (Blaberus craniifer) and is also called the false death's head cockroach. B. craniifer has jet-black forewings, while this species keeps brown ones.
Beginner. This is a beginner-friendly species. No special equipment or experience is required, and it can be kept successfully with basic care setup.
The ideal temperature for Discoid Cockroach is 21〜29℃. Avoid sudden temperature changes and maintain a stable environment.
The average lifespan of Discoid Cockroach is 1-2 years. With proper care and nutrition, they can live a long and healthy life.
Discoid Cockroach typically reaches 3.5-5.7cm as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.
Discoid Cockroach feeds on: Vegetables, fruit, grains, prepared insect food. Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.
The price of Discoid Cockroach varies significantly depending on morph, size, and lineage. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.
Last updated: September 17, 2026