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Blaberus giganteus
One of the world's largest cockroaches, found in caves and rainforests of the Neotropics. Its light, flattened body slips into crevices in rock and tree hollows, and adults fold two pairs of wings over the abdomen. Large but skittish and not suited to handling.
Blaberus giganteus is one of the largest cockroaches in the world and is native to the warm parts of the Neotropical realm. Males reach up to 7.5 cm and females up to 10 cm, though some sources list 9 cm as the maximum, with a wingspan of about 15 cm. The body is lightly built and flattened so it can hide in crevices, and the species favours humid, dark habitats such as caves, tree hollows and cracks in rocks. It is a nocturnal omnivore and scavenger feeding mainly on decaying plant material; the heavier females rarely fly. In captivity, give a roomy enclosure with bark and wood for vertical surfaces over a deep, moist substrate of dried hardwood leaves and rotting wood. It does not tolerate crowding: freshly moulted adults harassed by nymphs may die soon after maturing, but an adult that survives its first week usually lives one to two years. Despite its size it is skittish and not recommended for handling.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
The Giant Cave Cockroach lives 1-2 years as an adult.
The Giant Cave Cockroach grows to 7.5-10cm.
The ideal temperature for the Giant Cave Cockroach is 21〜29℃.
Origin
Neotropics (caves and rainforests of Mexico, Guatemala, Panama and neighbouring countries)
Lifespan
Sources: Roach Crossing: Giant Cave 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 giganteus (Linnaeus, 1758)
Synonyms: Blatta gigantea Linnaeus, 1758, Blabera mexicana Saussure, 1862, Blabera stollii 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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1-2 years as an adult
Size
7.5-10cm
Temperature
21〜29℃
Mainly decaying plant matter, plus vegetables, fruit, grains and prepared insect food
Tolerates a wide 21-29 C. Keep the substrate moist while providing plenty of ventilation.
Use a roomy enclosure with upright bark and wood, over a deep moist substrate of dried hardwood leaves and rotting wood. Avoid crowding.
In the wild the diet is mostly decaying plant matter. In captivity combine vegetables and fruit with grains or prepared insect food, and keep dried leaves available.
No venom and no biting, but the species is skittish for its size and not suited to handling. Adults may fly.
It handles crowding poorly and newly matured adults pestered by nymphs can die within days. Separating freshly moulted adults is safer.
Intermediate. This is an intermediate-level species. Some prior experience and knowledge of environmental management are recommended.
The ideal temperature for Giant Cave Cockroach is 21〜29℃. Avoid sudden temperature changes and maintain a stable environment.
The average lifespan of Giant Cave Cockroach is 1-2 years as an adult. With proper care and nutrition, they can live a long and healthy life.
Giant Cave Cockroach typically reaches 7.5-10cm as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.
Giant Cave Cockroach feeds on: Mainly decaying plant matter, plus vegetables, fruit, grains and prepared insect food. Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.
The price of Giant Cave Cockroach varies significantly depending on morph, size, and lineage. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.
Last updated: September 16, 2026