Species: Blatta lateralis (Turkistan Roach or Turks)

General Information

Where Found: Middle East.

Size: Adults up to 1 1/2”

Babies around 3/16”

Sexing: Males have wings, females do not.

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

Smell: Some odor.

Climbers: They cannot climb glass, but can climb some plastic tubs.

Burrow: No.

Fly: The males my flutter a short distance.

Speed: Fast.

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.