Surinam cockroach (Pycnoscelus surinamensis)
Invertebrates · Difficulty: Beginner
Key facts and care guidance for Surinam cockroach (Pycnoscelus surinamensis) (origin: Originally South-East Asia, today introduced across the tropics and subtropics worldwide (the greenhouse cockroach)). Adult size around approx. 1.8–2.5 cm. Life expectancy a few months as an adult. The values below are carefully researched guidance.
Short answers
Surinam cockroach: How big does the enclosure need to be?
Approx. 30×20×20 cm with deep substrate; escape-proof – as a potential pest it must not get out.
Surinam cockroach: What temperature does it need?
Daytime 26–32 °C (optimum for breeding 30–35 °C), at night 22–26 °C (sensitive to cold).
Surinam cockroach: Does it need UVB lighting?
UVB: No UVB needed.
Surinam cockroach: How long do they live?
Life expectancy: a few months as an adult.
Surinam cockroach: Is it suitable for beginners?
Yes – it is considered suitable for beginners (difficulty: Beginner).
Climate
- Daytime temperature
- 26–32 °C (optimum for breeding 30–35 °C)
- Night temperature
- 22–26 °C (sensitive to cold)
- Basking spot
- —
- Humidity
- 70–80 %
- UVB
- No UVB needed
Enclosure
- Minimum size
- approx. 30×20×20 cm with deep substrate; escape-proof – as a potential pest it must not get out
- Substrate
- Loose damp soil, coco humus or peat, ~10 cm deep (a burrowing cockroach – it lives buried)
Feeding
- Food
- Omnivorous: vegetables, fruit, fallen leaves, dry or cat food
- Feeding interval
- fresh food 2–3×/week, dry food always available
Key facts
- Adult size
- approx. 1.8–2.5 cm
- Life expectancy
- a few months as an adult
- Origin
- Originally South-East Asia, today introduced across the tropics and subtropics worldwide (the greenhouse cockroach)
- Protection status
- Not protected, but an invasive greenhouse and cultivated-land coloniser – avoid releasing it at all costs.
- Brumation
- None
- Cohabitation
- Colony or group keeping. Parthenogenetic (thelytokous): the population is almost entirely female, with males practically absent – it multiplies strongly without mating.
Notes
The soft, burrowing nymphs are an ideal feeder animal for reptiles and spiders. Ovoviviparous. Sensitive to cold. Because of parthenogenesis and its pest potential (greenhouses), keep it strictly escape-proof.
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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 Surinam cockroach (Pycnoscelus surinamensis) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (approx. 30×20×20 cm with deep substrate; escape-proof – as a potential pest it must not get out), substrate (Loose damp soil, coco humus or peat, ~10 cm deep (a burrowing cockroach – it lives buried)), 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: 9 October 2026 · Editor: Reptoria editorial team · Sources include: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Surinam_cockroach, https://postpods.co.uk/blogs/articles-not-isopod-related/domino-cockroach-care-guide, https://www.thewildmartin.com/blog-roaches/therea-petiveriana-the-domino-roach
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).