Species: Blaberus fuscas (False Death Head or Dwarf Cave Roach)

General Information

Where Found: South America

Size: Adults up to 2 3/4”

Babies around 3/16”

Sexing: Females are much larger than the male, the males are typically slender. The males wings are longer than the body, the female’s wings are shorter.

Life Span: After adulthood they can live up to 18 months.

Smell: Mild to strong defense odor.

Climbers: Can not climb smooth surfaces.

Burrow: This species does burrow, but substrate is optional.

Fly: They have wings but are unable to fly, but my sputter a few inches.

Speed: Mildly fast, not easy to hold in your hand on to.

Active Period: Nocturnal

Reproduction: They are an egg laying species.

Housing

Enclosure: A large dark tub (60q+) works well with a screened in top for ventilation.

Substrate: I suggest not using any type of substrate to minimize maintenance. This will make cleaning much easier and greatly decrease any smell.

Hiding: I use vertical egg flats to allow the feces to fall to the bottom of the enclosure.

Heat: The hotter they are the faster they breed, anywhere between 75F to 98F works well.

Humidity: I like to keep humidity about 60% to help with molting.

Food & Water

Food: A high protein diet is recommended for all roaches.

Water: I use water crystals, I have found they work the best.