
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Blaptica dubia
A medium-sized cockroach with winged males and orange side markings. It cannot climb glass, is quiet and low-odour, and is traded worldwide as a feeder for reptiles and invertebrates. Ovoviviparous and easy to breed.
Blaptica dubia is a medium-sized cockroach from South America; adults reach 40-45 mm. Males have fully developed wings and flight musculature but rarely fly, while females have only rudimentary forewings and cannot fly. The species is ovoviviparous: at 26 C on a 12-hour light cycle gestation lasts 48-64 days, and the ootheca holds about 20-35 eggs. A female gives birth to ten to fifty young per litter, and nymphs mature in four to eight months. Adults live up to two years, females slightly longer than males. Nymphs curl up and play dead when picked up. Because they cannot climb glass, do not chirp like crickets and produce little odour, they have become a standard feeder insect worldwide. Being tropical, escapees are unlikely to establish in colder, drier climates. Keep at 24-29 C in a ventilated bin with egg crates stood on end, and feed vegetables and grains.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
The Dubia Roach lives Up to 2 years as an adult.
The Dubia Roach grows to 4-4.5cm.
The ideal temperature for the Dubia Roach is 24〜29℃.
Origin
South America (Argentina and neighbouring regions)
Lifespan
Up to 2 years as an adult
Sources: Roach Crossing: Guyanna Spotted 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: Blaptica dubia (Serville, 1838)
Synonyms: Blabera claraziana Saussure, 1864, Blabera ligata Brunner von Wattenwyl, 1865
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
4-4.5cm
Temperature
24〜29℃
Vegetables, fruit, grains, prepared insect food
Keep at 24-29 C. Air humidity is not critical, but avoid bone-dry conditions to prevent moulting problems.
They cannot climb smooth walls, so a simple lid suffices, but always provide ventilation. Stand egg crates vertically for surface area.
Combine vegetables and fruit with grains or prepared insect food. If used as feeders, gut-load before offering them to pets.
Harmless and non-biting, with no venom. Nymphs curl up and play dead when handled.
Tropical requirements make establishment by escapees unlikely, but lids and vents should still be managed. Unlike crickets they are quiet and low-odour.
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 Dubia Roach is 24〜29℃. Avoid sudden temperature changes and maintain a stable environment.
The average lifespan of Dubia Roach is Up to 2 years as an adult. With proper care and nutrition, they can live a long and healthy life.
Dubia Roach typically reaches 4-4.5cm as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.
Dubia Roach feeds on: Vegetables, fruit, grains, prepared insect food. Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.
The price of Dubia Roach varies significantly depending on morph, size, and lineage. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.
Last updated: September 16, 2026