Discoid cockroach (Blaberus discoidalis)

Short answers

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

At least 40×30×30 cm; 8–10 cm of substrate (juveniles develop in the substrate at first).

Discoid cockroach: What temperature does it need?

Daytime 26–28 °C (range 24–32 °C), at night 22–24 °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 (nymphs take 4–12 months to mature).

Discoid cockroach: Is it suitable for beginners?

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

Climate

Daytime temperature

26–28 °C (range 24–32 °C)

Night temperature

22–24 °C

Basking spot

—

Humidity

50–70 % (substrate largely damp)

UVB

No UVB needed

Enclosure

Minimum size

at least 40×30×30 cm; 8–10 cm of substrate (juveniles develop in the substrate at first)

Substrate

Forest soil or coco humus with leaf litter, damp; a few pieces of bark as hides

Feeding

Food

Vegetables, fruit, dry food or flakes, a little protein

Feeding interval

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

Key facts

Adult size

approx. 3.5–4.5 cm (smaller than B. craniifer)

Life expectancy

approx. 1–1.5 years (nymphs take 4–12 months to mature)

Origin

Central America and northern South America (Panama, Colombia among others); a widely used feeder known as the "discoid roach"

Protection status

Not protected. Do not release it.

Brumation

None

Cohabitation

Colony or group keeping (sociable). A popular feeder animal – it does not climb smooth walls and practically does not fly, which makes it easy to keep.

Notes

Similar to B. craniifer, but it stays markedly smaller and has no pronounced death's-head marking. Below 24 °C or above 32 °C breeding stops. Ovoviviparous; a calm, easily controlled rate of increase.

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 discoidalis) in the marketplace →

Related species

• Giant cave cockroach (Blaberus giganteus) – Beginner
• Discoid cockroach (Blaberus craniifer) – 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 discoidalis) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (at least 40×30×30 cm; 8–10 cm of substrate (juveniles develop in the substrate at first)), substrate (Forest soil or coco humus with leaf litter, damp; a few pieces of bark 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.