© Pavel Kirillov from St.Petersburg, Russia / CC BY-SA 2.0Riokku
Native to the tropical forests of Indonesia, the Riokku is a large orthopteran insect that grows to a body length of 65-80mm, with females sometimes approaching 10cm. In Japan it's also known by the nickname "Obake Korogisu", and its imposing look has won it a following among enthusiasts. It's a nocturnal predator that will readily attack and eat insects larger than itself, and its powerful jaws are strong enough to chew through a cardboard box. This isn't a cuddly pet - it's prized by keepers drawn to the raw, primal presence of a serious predatory insect, and is best suited to experienced keepers who understand its needs.
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Riokku key facts
- Care level
- Advanced
- Size
- About 65-80mm (females can approach 10cm)
- Diet
- Carnivorous (spiders, crickets, grasshoppers and other small animals)
- Temperature & Humidity
- Guidelines for temperature and humidity are unclear, but as a tropical forest-floor species, avoid cold and excessive dryness.
- Enclosure
- It hides in a burrow by day, so give it substrate to dig into or a shelter. Its jaws can chew through cardboard, so use a sturdy enclosure with a secure lid.
- Food & Feeding
- A nocturnal predator, it is thought to take spiders, small crickets and grasshoppers, and will attack insects larger than itself.
- Cohabitation
- Females are larger and fiercer than males and may eat a male kept with them. House singly and put a pair together only under supervision for mating.
- Health & Notes
- Its bite is powerful, so do not handle it bare-handed. Bringing live insects in from abroad requires checking with the Plant Protection Station first whether they count as pests. Choose domestically bred stock and never release captive animals.
About Riokku
Meet the Riokku, a large nocturnal predatory orthopteran from Indonesia's rainforests, reaching 65-80mm in body length. Known in Japan as "Obake Korogisu," it's a striking species best suited to advanced insect keepers.
7 things to know before welcoming a Riokku
1Nocturnal Carnivore
The Riokku is a nocturnal, carnivorous insect that hides during the day and becomes active at night. It's a bold hunter that will sometimes attack and eat insects larger than itself. If you want to watch it in action, a quiet peek after dark is the best way to see its natural behavior.
2Powerful Jaws
Its jaws are strong enough to chew through a cardboard box, so choose an enclosure made of hard plastic or glass that can withstand gnawing, with a lid that closes securely. Because of its strong jaws, avoid handling it with bare hands.
3Keep One Per Enclosure
Because of its strongly predatory nature, the Riokku isn't suited to being housed with other insects, including its own kind. Each individual should be kept in its own separate enclosure.
4Size Varies with Growth
Adults typically reach 65-80mm in body length, though females can approach 10cm. Choose an enclosure with enough room to accommodate full adult size.
5Best for Experienced Keepers
The Riokku is considered a challenging species suited to experienced keepers. Because detailed information on its behavior and needs is still limited, close daily observation is important to gauge each individual's condition.
6Limited Lifespan Data
The Riokku isn't widely kept, so detailed data on its lifespan is still limited. After bringing one home, it's best to keep notes and watch closely for changes specific to your individual.
7Tropical Indonesian Native
The Riokku comes from the tropical forests of Indonesia and lives on the forest floor. Specific numerical care data is scarce, so avoid cold and overly dry conditions, and adjust the enclosure by observing the animal, providing burrowable substrate and hiding places.
Frequently asked questions about Riokku
- Q.What is the Riokku's temperament like?
- A.It's a nocturnal, carnivorous insect with an aggressive side, sometimes attacking insects larger than itself. Females grow larger and fiercer than males. It's a species better suited to observation than hands-on interaction.
- Q.Is the Riokku suitable for beginners?
- A.The Riokku is generally considered a species for experienced keepers, and there's still relatively little care information available. If you're new to insect keeping, it's a good idea to gain experience with easier species first.
- Q.What should I feed a Riokku?
- A.As a carnivore, its diet should center on live prey such as crickets. Since it's capable of taking down insects larger than itself, adjust the size and amount of food based on each individual's condition.
- Q.Can it be kept with other insects?
- A.Its strong predatory instincts create a real risk of cannibalism, so housing multiple Riokku together or with other insects isn't recommended. Each individual should be kept in its own separate enclosure.
- Q.How long do Riokku live?
- A.Because the Riokku isn't widely kept, detailed lifespan data is still limited. It's best to observe your individual's condition closely on an ongoing basis after bringing it home.
Useful tools for Riokku care
Learn more about Riokku in the encyclopedia
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Care difficulty, lifespan, size and diet — all basics covered.
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