Discoid Roach Info, Blaberus discoidalis

Here is a bit of Information about the habits and a characteristics of the Discoid Roach, Blaberus discoidalis.

Blaberus discoidalis, commonly known as the discoid cockroach, tropical cockroach, West Indian leaf cockroach, false death's head cockroach, Haitian cockroach, and drummer, is a cockroach native to Central America of the “giant cockroach” family, Blaberidae.

The adult discoid roach is around 1.4–1.8 inch in length, and is tan with a dark brown to black patch on its pronotum. The juvenile discoid roach is brown with tan speckles, and matures to adulthood in 4–5 months. Adult discoid roaches have wings but are not active fliers, and they can not climb smooth vertical surfaces, simplifying their care in captivity.

Blaberus discoidalis is called the false death's head cockroach because of its superficial resemblance to the death's head cockroach, Blaberus craniifer.

Discoid Roaches are fairly easy to raise in captivity, so make good feed for insectivorous pets such as tarantulas, bearded dragons, and other lizards.

These animals breed readily in captivity. They reach breeding age in about 6 months if kept warm, with 85–90 °F recommended for more productive breeding. 

*Recommended humidity levels are important as these roaches will dessicate if not kept at around 40-60% humidity regularly. *

Female Discoid Roaches carry their eggs inside a brooding pouch having genital chamber and vestibulum until they are fertilised by male Discoid roaches spermatophore.

Legal In Florida

Discoid Roaches are legal to have, own, breed and purchase in Florida!

As people interested in insects, especially Tropical Varieties of Feeders or Pets, find out that many are illegal to own in Florida.

This is mainly because of the ability for tropical insects, like the Discoid or Dubia Roach, can thrive and over populate as an invasive species. 

However, Florida has determined in their study that Discoid roaches are technically NATIVE!

FUN FACT!

Insect Eating Competitions

Discoid Cockroaches are also used in insect eating competitions since they are often raised in captivity and are easier to gather in large numbers during a contest.

In 2012, Edward Archibold died as a result of 'asphyxia due to choking and aspiration of gastric contents,' according to his autopsy report, in a cockroach eating contest in south Florida.

Ewww... Crunchy, Yet Satisfying.

 Main Source for Info:

Blaberus discoidalis