Discoid cockroach (Blaberus craniifer)

Short answers

Discoid cockroach: How big does the enclosure need to be?

Approx. 50×40×40 cm for a breeding group (at least 40×30×30 cm); a smooth rim is enough (they hardly climb).

Discoid cockroach: What temperature does it need?

Daytime 24–28 °C (ideal for breeding 25–26 °C), at night 20–24 °C.

Discoid cockroach: Does it need UVB lighting?

UVB: No UVB needed.

Discoid cockroach: How long do they live?

Life expectancy: approx. 1–1.5 years.

Discoid cockroach: Is it suitable for beginners?

Yes – it is considered suitable for beginners (difficulty: Beginner).

Climate

Daytime temperature

24–28 °C (ideal for breeding 25–26 °C)

Night temperature

20–24 °C

Basking spot

—

Humidity

50–70 %

UVB

No UVB needed

Enclosure

Minimum size

approx. 50×40×40 cm for a breeding group (at least 40×30×30 cm); a smooth rim is enough (they hardly climb)

Substrate

A mix of forest soil, coco humus and leaf litter, 5–8 cm deep; cork bark or egg cartons as hides

Feeding

Food

Vegetables (carrot, pumpkin), fruit, dry food or flakes, a little protein (fish flakes or cat food)

Feeding interval

fresh food 2–3×/week, dry food always available

Key facts

Adult size

approx. 6–7 cm

Life expectancy

approx. 1–1.5 years

Origin

Central America, the southern USA, the Caribbean

Protection status

Not protected. Do not release it.

Brumation

None

Cohabitation

Colony or group keeping (sociable, with no appreciable cannibalism when there is enough food).

Notes

A large, imposing display and feeder cockroach with a death's-head-like marking on the pronotum (colour forms "Black Wing" and "White Wing"). Winged, but it barely flies and does not climb smooth walls. Ovoviviparous; the rate of increase is easy to control.

Do you keep this species?

Add your animal to Reptoria – Reptoria reminds you about feeding and shedding. Add your animal for free →

Look for Discoid cockroach (Blaberus craniifer) in the marketplace →

Related species

• Giant cave cockroach (Blaberus giganteus) – Beginner
• Discoid cockroach (Blaberus discoidalis) – Beginner
• Dubia roach (Blaptica dubia) – Beginner
• Domino cockroach (Therea bernhardti) – Beginner
• Peppered cockroach (Archimandrita tesselata) – Beginner
• Green banana cockroach (Panchlora nivea) – Beginner
• Halloween hissing cockroach (Elliptorhina javanica) – Beginner
• Domino cockroach (Therea petiveriana) – Beginner

All species in the care wiki →

What you need to start

To keep Discoid cockroach (Blaberus craniifer) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (approx. 50×40×40 cm for a breeding group (at least 40×30×30 cm); a smooth rim is enough (they hardly climb)), substrate (A mix of forest soil, coco humus and leaf litter, 5–8 cm deep; cork bark or egg cartons as hides), a heat source with a thermostat, UVB lighting, thermometer and hygrometer, a water dish and hides. You will find equipment in the Reptoria marketplace.