Giant cave cockroach (Blaberus giganteus)

Short answers

Giant cave cockroach: How big does the enclosure need to be?

50×40×40 cm.

Giant cave cockroach: What temperature does it need?

Daytime 25–30 °C, basking spot No basking spot, at night 21–24 °C.

Giant cave cockroach: Does it need UVB lighting?

UVB: Not required.

Giant cave cockroach: How long do they live?

Life expectancy: 1.5–2 years.

Giant cave cockroach: Is it suitable for beginners?

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

Climate

Daytime temperature

25–30 °C

Night temperature

21–24 °C

Basking spot

No basking spot

Humidity

70–85 %

UVB

Not required

Enclosure

Minimum size

50×40×40 cm

Substrate

Coco humus with leaf litter, vertical cork bark, egg cartons

Feeding

Food

Fruit, vegetables, fish food, oat flakes

Feeding interval

2–3×/week

Key facts

Adult size

7–9 cm (wingspan up to 10 cm)

Life expectancy

1.5–2 years

Origin

Central and South America

Protection status

Not listed under CITES

Brumation

None

Cohabitation

Group housing. These animals naturally live in groups and cope poorly alone. One colony per enclosure, never combine two colonies - strange animals are not readily accepted. Watch food and humidity as the colony grows.

Notes

One of the world's largest cockroaches, and live-bearing. Adults can glide – the lid has to close tightly. It needs vertical climbing surfaces and high humidity.

Do you keep this species?

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

Look for Giant cave cockroach (Blaberus giganteus) in the marketplace →

Related species

• Discoid cockroach (Blaberus craniifer) – 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 Giant cave cockroach (Blaberus giganteus) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (50×40×40 cm), substrate (Coco humus with leaf litter, vertical cork bark, egg cartons), a heat source with a thermostat, thermometer and hygrometer, a water dish and hides. You will find equipment in the Reptoria marketplace.