V-horn hissing cockroach Elliptorhina laevigata
Where found: Madagascar.
Adult length: 44-70mm (1.8 to 2.8 inches)
The V-horn hisser is a rather huge species compared to other diminutive members of this genus like E.chopardi and E. javanica. V-horns do not have a defensive smell and are rather docile but they do have the ability to climb glass. They tend to be contrastingly marked but range to nearly black. Females are ovoviviparous and give birth to up to sixty babies.
Parcoblatta pennsylvanica care the pa wood roach
-Harlequin cockroach Neostylopyga rhombifolia
Where found: Asia, Mexico, AZ (U.S.A.).
Size: 20-26mm (3/8 to 1+ inches)
The Harlequin roach is certainly among the neatest looking of the pet roaches and is a very quick moving medium sized species. Nymphs start out life as a plain tan color but slowly molt to become very incredible looking adults. Harlequin roaches easily scale smooth surfaces and like most other glass climbers can be controlled by petroleum jelly. Also, this roach is an egg laying species.
Harlequin Cockroach (Neostylopyga rhombifolia)
Firefly mimic Schultesia lampyridiformis
Where found: Central America and South America.
The Firefly roach, being from South America, is a somewhat convincing mimic of the firefly beetles that live there. Unfortunately this small (13-20mm) roach does not light up but is a good example of roaches that mimic beetles.S.lampyridiformis produces live birth and the newborn nymphs are large (for babies) in comparison to the adults. Only a small number --less than ten-- of babies are produced each birth. This little roach is very quick and unfortunately both young and adults are more than happy to climb smooth-sided containers such as aquariums and critter cages. The only way to guard against all escapes is to tape or hot glue microscreen to holes in an airtight container or to Velcro a screen lid onto an aquarium.
Peppered roach Archimandrita tesselata
A.tesselata is one of the more massive roaches with males being up to 70mm (not quite 3 inches) and females being much bulkier but shorter due to their more rounded shape.
Schultesia lampyridiformis or firefly mimic cockroach colon
Nymphs
Adult - Pair
Peppered Roach (Archimandrita tesselata) Basic care
Green Banana roach Panchlora nivea
Where found: Cuba, Fl and TX: US, Mexico
The Green banana roach is a very beautiful roach, unfortunately even a large female barely hits 24mm (just under an inch)and the males are even smaller at 12-15mm (half an inch). This is another ovoviparous species and out of the bright green adults are born tiny brown nymphs. The nymphs are burrowers and do not climb, on the other hand, the adults love to climb. If there is a crack, they will find it. Also, when you open the container, watch out! The Green banana roaches are great little flyers. Due to its lack of weight P.nivea is less easily controlled by petroleum jelly barriers than other Blattodea.
juveniles
Cucaracha esmeralda (Panchlora nivea) Banana Green Cockroach
Rhinoceros cockroach Macropanesthia rhinoceros
Where found: Australia
Adult size: 60-80mm (2 and 2/5 to 3 and 1/5 inches)
Despite the fact that the Rhinoceros roach does not have wings, this monster is still nearly as long as B.giganteus or Megaloblatta longipennis. Among the heaviest of all roaches M.rhinoceros has a meager diet and feeds upon dead Eucalyptus leaves in nature. It will eat dog food and fruits in captivity. These roaches are excellent diggers and have front tibia shaped like spiny shovels- similar to mole crickets. Nymphs can take five years to reach adulthood. The Rhinoceros roach is one of the very few insects that routinely lives over ten years. M.rhinoceros is uncommonly kept outside of Australia but there is hope; a number of captive reared nymphs have been legally imported into Europe and Japan. The photo on the left was taken by Christina Faull of her pet "Phoebe". The photo showing off the front legs, on right, by R.Dryer.
Southern wood roach Parcoblatta divisa
Where found: Pennsylvania to Louisiana, USA
Adult size: 14-22mm (5/8 to 7/8 inches)
Macropanesthia rhinoceros
The Southern wood roach is very similar to the Pennsylvania wood roach but is smaller and with less distinct coloration. Also, the first two segments (under the wings) of the male do not have overhanging ridges like males of P.pennsylvanica. Male Southern wood roaches often fly long distances before landing, contrary to the hop flying of most winged roaches. Females have reduced wings.
Parcoblatta divisa, lata, Chorisoneura
Broad wood roach Parcoblatta lata
Where found: Northeastern US
Adult size: 14-19mm (3/5 to 4/5 inch)
The Broad wood cockroach will feed on wood and dead leaves but enjoys dry dog food much more. Males are excellent flyers. Care is very similar toP.pennsylvanica and the adult lifespan is also short. Adults climb glass well and so must be kept in bounds by a Vaseline barrier.
Parcoblatta lata from North Carolina
Pennsylvania wood roach Parcoblatta pennsylvanica
Where found: Eastern North America
Adult size: 18-28mm (3/4 to 1 1/8 inches)
The Pennnsylvania Wood Roach feeds on wood but enjoys dry dog food much more. This is the largest of the Parcoblatta species. The fully winged males often fly to lights at night in their native range. Females lay long thin eggcases every 10-14 days. Adults climb glass well and so must be kept in bounds by a Vaseline barrier.
Banded wood roach Parcoblatta zebra
Where found: Central to Southeastern US.
Adult size: 18-26mm (5/8 to 1+ inches)
The Banded wood cockroach is nearly as big asP.pennsylvanica and may even be prettier. Adults live a short time. As with the other Parcoblatta, Banded wood cockroaches produce quite large oothecae in comparison to their body size. Eggcases are left in suitable places for hatching such as under the bark of old logs.
Madeira cockroach feeding
Madeira roach Rhypharobia maderae
(previously Leucophaea maderae) Where found: Central Africa, Eastern US, South America
Adult length: 35-48mm (1.5 to nearly 2 inches).
The Madeira cockroach is commonly found among ground litter and dead leaves. The wing design allows it to blend in well. For fans of defensive mechanisms, this is the coolest! When picked up it squeaks and at the same time emits a horrible defensive smell while stabbing with the legs and flicking excrement with the rear feet. The Madeira is one of the most advanced caregivers of all roaches with the females looking after nymphs nearly to adulthood! Nymphs can climb glass but adults don't seem to retain that ability.
Giant lobster roach Henschoutedenia flexivitta
Where found:
Adult length: 32-38mm (around 1 and 1/2 inches).
Despite it's common/trade name, H. flexivitta is closely related to the Madeira cockroach (above) rather than the Lobster roach, N. cinerea. Adults do somewhat resemble a rather large Lobster roach, although nymphs are banded and look different. This species can climb glass but prefers to stay on cage decorations like wood and egg carton. Females are live bearing.
Giant Lobster Roaches Feeding
Cockroaches .. Introduction
Cockroaches .. Keeping in captivity : Madagascar hissing cockroach
Cockroaches .. Introduction
Cockroaches .. Keeping in captivity : Madagascar hissing cockroach