Emerald cockroach (Pseudoglomeris magnifica)
Invertebrates · Difficulty: Intermediate
Key facts and care guidance for Emerald cockroach (Pseudoglomeris magnifica) (origin: South-East Asia and China (montane forests)). Adult size around approx. 2.5–3 cm. Life expectancy females ~2 years. The values below are carefully researched guidance.
Short answers
Emerald cockroach: How big does the enclosure need to be?
Approx. 30×30×40 cm (they climb, so a taller tank; very good ventilation).
Emerald cockroach: What temperature does it need?
Daytime 22–28 °C (up to ~30 °C at the warmest point), at night 20–23 °C.
Emerald cockroach: Does it need UVB lighting?
UVB: No UVB needed.
Emerald cockroach: How long do they live?
Life expectancy: females ~2 years.
Emerald cockroach: Is it suitable for beginners?
Rather not – it is considered an intermediate species (difficulty: Intermediate).
Climate
- Daytime temperature
- 22–28 °C (up to ~30 °C at the warmest point)
- Night temperature
- 20–23 °C
- Basking spot
- —
- Humidity
- 70–80 % with very good air circulation
- UVB
- No UVB needed
Enclosure
- Minimum size
- approx. 30×30×40 cm (they climb, so a taller tank; very good ventilation)
- Substrate
- Forest humus or peat with beech and oak leaves, 5–10 cm; mist daily (droplets on the glass and leaves), avoiding waterlogging
Feeding
- Food
- Vegetables, fruit, a little protein or dry food, leaf litter
- Feeding interval
- fresh food 2–3×/week
Key facts
- Adult size
- approx. 2.5–3 cm
- Life expectancy
- females ~2 years
- Origin
- South-East Asia and China (montane forests)
- Protection status
- Not protected. Do not release it.
- Brumation
- None
- Cohabitation
- Group: a sociable species that copes well in colonies with mixed age groups; no cannibalism with good care. Escape-proofing matters more than any social structure, given the excellent climbing ability.
Notes
One of the most colourful cockroaches (metallic emerald green). More demanding: it needs high humidity AND good ventilation, and breeds slowly (nymphs take 6–9 months to maturity, gestation 4–6 months). So rather one for experienced keepers.
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Related species
- 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
- Glowspot cockroach (Lucihormetica subcincta) – Intermediate
- Madagascar hissing cockroach (Gromphadorhina portentosa) – Beginner
What you need to start
To keep Emerald cockroach (Pseudoglomeris magnifica) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (approx. 30×30×40 cm (they climb, so a taller tank; very good ventilation)), substrate (Forest humus or peat with beech and oak leaves, 5–10 cm; mist daily (droplets on the glass and leaves), avoiding waterlogging), a heat source with a thermostat, UVB lighting, thermometer and hygrometer, a water dish and hides. You will find equipment in the Reptoria marketplace.
The complete, interactive care database is in the Reptoria app.
Last updated: 25 September 2026 · Editor: Reptoria editorial team · Sources include: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Corydidarum_magnifica, https://insektenliebe.com/haltungsberichte-schaben/pseudoglomeris-magnifica-smaragdschabe/
All values are non-binding guidance and do not replace expert advice. Research thoroughly from several sources before acquiring and keeping an animal, and observe the applicable law (species and animal protection in particular).