Turkestan cockroach (Shelfordella lateralis)
Invertebrates · Difficulty: Beginner
Key facts and care guidance for Turkestan cockroach (Shelfordella lateralis) (origin: Central Asia and the Near East (Turkestan)). Adult size around approx. 2–2.5 cm (males 1.9–2.3 cm, females 2.2–2.5 cm). Life expectancy From egg to adult, around 3–4 months depending on temperature, or around 7 months at 27°C in laboratory conditions; adults live several months, over a year in laboratory conditions. The values below are carefully researched guidance.
Short answers
Turkestan cockroach: How big does the enclosure need to be?
A fauna box or container approx. 40×30×30 cm with plenty of egg cartons, good ventilation; a smooth rim (females do not climb).
Turkestan cockroach: What temperature does it need?
Daytime 24–30 °C (breeding 28–32 °C, heat mat), at night 20–24 °C (room temperature is enough to keep them).
Turkestan cockroach: Does it need UVB lighting?
UVB: No UVB needed.
Turkestan cockroach: How long do they live?
Life expectancy: From egg to adult, around 3–4 months depending on temperature, or around 7 months at 27°C in laboratory conditions; adults live several months, over a year in laboratory conditions.
Turkestan cockroach: Is it suitable for beginners?
Yes – it is considered suitable for beginners (difficulty: Beginner).
Climate
- Daytime temperature
- 24–30 °C (breeding 28–32 °C, heat mat)
- Night temperature
- 20–24 °C (room temperature is enough to keep them)
- Basking spot
- —
- Humidity
- 30–50 % (rather dry, no misting needed)
- UVB
- No UVB needed
Enclosure
- Minimum size
- a fauna box or container approx. 40×30×30 cm with plenty of egg cartons, good ventilation; a smooth rim (females do not climb)
- Substrate
- Dry; egg cartons as structure (no deep damp substrate is needed), a little kitchen paper
Feeding
- Food
- Omnivorous: dry food (bran, oats, fish food) plus a protein component such as dry cat food, plus vegetables and fruit (carrot, apple) as a water source; in addition, a dish with damp paper towel or water gel. Do not offer open water — the animals drown in it.
- Feeding interval
- fresh food 2–3×/week, dry food always available
Key facts
- Adult size
- approx. 2–2.5 cm (males 1.9–2.3 cm, females 2.2–2.5 cm)
- Life expectancy
- From egg to adult, around 3–4 months depending on temperature, or around 7 months at 27°C in laboratory conditions; adults live several months, over a year in laboratory conditions
- Origin
- Central Asia and the Near East (Turkestan)
- Protection status
- Not protected. Do not release it.
- Brumation
- None
- Cohabitation
- Colony or group keeping (sociable). A very productive permanent feeder colony (the red runner or Turkestan cockroach). The males can fly – keep the container closed; the females cannot fly and cannot climb smooth walls.
Notes
One of the most popular feeder insects: fast, soft-bodied, easily digested and very keen to breed in the warm. Keep it dry and well ventilated – avoid waterlogging and high humidity. Also called "Blatta lateralis" / Shelfordella tartara.
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Turkestan cockroach (Shelfordella lateralis) currently offered
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What you need to start
To keep Turkestan cockroach (Shelfordella lateralis) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (a fauna box or container approx. 40×30×30 cm with plenty of egg cartons, good ventilation; a smooth rim (females do not climb)), substrate (Dry; egg cartons as structure (no deep damp substrate is needed), a little kitchen paper), 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: jungle-exotica.de, crazyants.de, insektenliebe.com, Wikipedia DE, Wikipedia EN
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).