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Macropanesthia rhinoceros
World's heaviest cockroach at 35g+. Native to Australia. Digs burrows underground. Wingless with glossy brown body. Very long-lived, over 10 years.
The giant burrowing cockroach (Macropanesthia rhinoceros) is an Australian species regarded as the heaviest cockroach, with some individuals exceeding 35 g. Wingless and built with a glossy, sturdy brown body, it digs burrows and lives underground. Its biology is very different from household cockroaches, and it is popular as a clean, manageable invertebrate. Husbandry uses substrate deep enough for burrowing, with plant matter such as dry leaves offered as food. It is very long-lived, reportedly surviving more than 10 years under suitable conditions. Slow-moving and easy to observe, it is a calm species that can be bred at a leisurely pace.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Origin
Australia
Lifespan
10+ years
Size
60-80mm
Temperature
22〜28℃
Humidity
50〜70%
Leaf litter, eucalyptus leaves, vegetables
20cm+ substrate depth. Can enjoy burrowing behavior
Edited & verified by: br-choku editorial team
The taxonomic, regulatory, and husbandry data on this page are compiled and verified against the authoritative primary sources below.
Primary sources
Accepted name: Macropanesthia rhinoceros Saussure, 1895
Synonyms: Panesthia godeffroyi Godeffroy, 1877
Authority databases: GBIF
Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.
Macropanesthia rhinoceros(ヨロイモグラゴキブリ)。CITES 非掲載。原産国オーストラリアの輸出規制はあるが日本での飼養規制はない。
Sources: CITES 附属書(checklist.cites.org)
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
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Coconut fiber + sand mix. Keep moderately moist
Dried eucalyptus leaves ideal. Dry oak leaves as substitute
Ovoviviparous. Produces few nymphs once a year
Intermediate. This is an intermediate-level species. Some prior experience and knowledge of environmental management are recommended.
The ideal temperature for Giant Burrowing Cockroach is 22〜28℃. Recommended humidity is 50〜70%. Avoid sudden temperature changes and maintain a stable environment.
The average lifespan of Giant Burrowing Cockroach is 10+ years. With proper care and nutrition, they can live a long and healthy life.
Giant Burrowing Cockroach typically reaches 60-80mm as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.
Giant Burrowing Cockroach feeds on: Leaf litter, eucalyptus leaves, vegetables. Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.
The price of Giant Burrowing Cockroach varies significantly depending on morph, size, and lineage. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.
Last updated: June 23, 2026