Giant Cave Roach (Blaberus giganteus)

The cockroach Blaberus giganteus (L.) is the largest species in its genus and one of the largest cockroaches known. Individuals can measure over three inches (88 mm) in length and one and one-half inches (38 mm) in width. In spite of their extended dimensions, Blaberus giganteus are lightly-built, sprightly roaches, with bodies that are much broader than deep. This flattened body allows them to squeeze between cracks to hide from predators. Blaberus giganteus is found in parts of the West Indies, in Panama, and southward into northern South America.

This species is now appearing on the pet market because captive-reared specimens are readily available from research labs in entomology. The giant roach has been a common experimental animal in entomology labs since the early 1950's.

Blaberus giganteus have a number of features that make them good lab animals, and consequently good pets. First, of course is their great size. Second, they are very easy to rear; a number of adults and developing young can be kept together in the same container. Third, they have a relatively long adult life. Fourth, they are much too large and temperature dependent to ever survive a winter outdoors in the continental United States. The only exception to this last statement might be in south Florida, and for a number of reasons it is very unlikely they could survive even there.

Full Grown Size 2.5 to 4 inches.
Growth Medium speed.
Temperature 70 to 80° F.
Humidity 75 to 80%.
Temperament Docile and nervous.
Housing Babies can live in a clear plastic container with air holes. Adults can live in a 2.5 to 29-gallon tank, depending on the number of cockroaches. Cockroaches can live communally. Height is more important than floor space.
Substrate 2 to 3 inches of peat moss, potting soil, or pine chips.
Decor Branches, driftwood, cork bark, etc. make good hiding places and climbing accessories.
Other Names Trinidad Cave Cockroach, Trinidad Giant Cockroach, Cuban Giant Cockroach, Cuban Black-Spot Cockroach, Glass-Wing Cockroach, Giant Black-Spot Cockroach, and Giant Cockroach.

Giant roaches do wonderfully well on a steady diet of cereal, meat loaf, and apples. Use a whole-grain oat cereal like "Cheerios" (made by General Mills). The roaches particularly seem to relish the sugar-coated versions. The meat loaf provides protein, an absolute must if the roaches are to grow. It would not be a stretch to say giant roaches were partially carnivorous. Thirty to forty adults and large nymphs can finish off a cup of cooked hamburger in less than an hour. If you do not give them protein they will get it on their own, by attacking and eating their molting or aged cage mates. Chewed or brown wing tips are an early warning that protein is lacking.