Four-spotted cockroach (Eublaberus distanti)

Short answers

Four-spotted cockroach: How big does the enclosure need to be?

40×30×30 cm for a breeding group.

Four-spotted cockroach: What temperature does it need?

Daytime 25–30 °C, basking spot no warm spot needed, at night 22 °C.

Four-spotted cockroach: Does it need UVB lighting?

UVB: No UVB needed.

Four-spotted cockroach: How long do they live?

Life expectancy: approx. 1–2 years.

Four-spotted cockroach: Is it suitable for beginners?

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

Climate

Daytime temperature

25–30 °C

Night temperature

22 °C

Basking spot

no warm spot needed

Humidity

50–65 %

UVB

No UVB needed

Enclosure

Minimum size

40×30×30 cm for a breeding group

Substrate

Dry substrate with egg cartons as hides; one damp corner

Feeding

Food

Dry food, oat flakes, fruit and vegetables, fish food as a protein source

Feeding interval

always available; fresh food every 2–3 days

Key facts

Adult size

approx. 4–5 cm

Life expectancy

approx. 1–2 years

Origin

Central and South America (Trinidad, Venezuela)

Protection status

Not protected

Brumation

None

Cohabitation

A group: a strongly colonial species, high stocking densities are normal and desirable. One colony per enclosure, never combine two colonies – unfamiliar animals are not readily accepted.

Notes

A popular feeder species: meaty, it cannot run up smooth walls and it does not fly — which makes it markedly easier to keep than hissing cockroaches. It needs protein in the food, otherwise the animals eat each other's wings off.

Do you keep this species?

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

Look for Four-spotted cockroach (Eublaberus distanti) in the marketplace →

Related species

• Orange-headed cockroach (Eublaberus posticus) – 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
• Glowspot cockroach (Lucihormetica subcincta) – Intermediate

All species in the care wiki →

What you need to start

To keep Four-spotted cockroach (Eublaberus distanti) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (40×30×30 cm for a breeding group), substrate (Dry substrate with egg cartons as hides; one damp corner), a heat source with a thermostat, UVB lighting, thermometer and hygrometer, a water dish and hides. You will find equipment in the Reptoria marketplace.