Satsuma Cockroach

Satsuma Cockroach key facts

Care level

Beginner-friendly

Lifespan

2-4 years

Size

25-35mm, females larger than males

Diet

Omnivorous: vegetables, fruit, rotting wood, dry prepared feeds

Temperature & Humidity

The species overwinters outdoors from southern Kyushu to the Ryukyus. Keep the substrate moist.

Enclosure

Match its habit of sheltering under stones and logs by laying bark or flat hides on the substrate. The reduced wings mean it cannot fly.

Diet & Feeding

Omnivorous and not fussy. Combine vegetables, fruit and rotting wood with dry prepared feed.

Temperament & Venom

No venom and no biting. It moves slowly and cannot fly, which makes it easy to handle.

Notes

Although native to Japan, its natural range is limited to the south. Introduced populations exist on Hachijojima and in Wakayama, so it must not be released outside that range.

About Satsuma Cockroach

The Satsuma cockroach is a wingless, orange-edged insect native to southern Kyushu and the Ryukyu Islands. Hardy and low-maintenance, it's well suited to first-time invertebrate keepers.

7 things to know before welcoming a Satsuma Cockroach

1. 1Flightless by Nature

   Because its wings have degenerated into small scales, the Satsuma cockroach cannot fly. When startled, it simply darts for cover rather than taking off, which makes it easier to manage day to day.

2. 2Burrowing and Substrate

   In the wild it lives beneath stones and fallen logs, so in captivity it likes to burrow into substrate or tuck itself under shelters. Providing a decent substrate depth along with cork or bark hides helps it settle in comfortably.

3. 3Calm Temperament

   Movements are fairly slow and its temperament is calm. It can be kept singly or in small groups within the same enclosure, and its unhurried behavior makes it easy to observe.

4. 4Temperature and Humidity

   Since it hails from warm southern regions, it doesn't tolerate extreme cold well. Keeping the substrate lightly moist rather than letting it dry out completely also supports its wellbeing.

5. 5Diet and Feeding

   It's an omnivore that readily accepts insect pellets, vegetable scraps, and similar foods. Offering small amounts on a regular schedule and removing leftovers promptly keeps the enclosure clean.

6. 6Preparing Your Enclosure

   Before bringing one home, prepare an enclosure with a secure lid, ample substrate, and hiding spots. Because it likes to burrow, a well-sealed case also matters for preventing escapes.

7. 7Size and Sex Differences

   Adults typically reach about 25 to 35 mm in length, with females generally growing larger than males. It's useful to keep this size range in mind when planning enclosure space.

Frequently asked questions about Satsuma Cockroach

Q.Is this the same as the cockroaches found in houses?

A.The Satsuma cockroach is a wild species found in southern Kyushu and the Ryukyu Islands, distinct from species that infest homes. With degenerated wings, it cannot fly and lives beneath stones and fallen logs in its natural habitat.

Q.Can a first-time insect keeper manage this species?

A.It's generally considered beginner-friendly, being hardy and requiring relatively little maintenance. As long as basic temperature and humidity are maintained, it's manageable even for first-time keepers.

Q.Could it fly away or escape?

A.Since its wings have degenerated into scales, it cannot fly. It may still burrow into substrate or squeeze through gaps, so an enclosure with a tightly fitting lid is recommended.

Q.How large does it grow?

A.Adults typically reach about 25 to 35 mm in body length, with females generally growing larger than males.

Q.Is it affected by CITES?

A.The Satsuma cockroach falls outside CITES. There's no need to worry about international trade treaty restrictions for this species.

Learn more about Satsuma Cockroach in the encyclopedia

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