Data sheet Argentine cockroaches
Latin name:
Blaptica dubia
Origin:
Paraguay and Northern Argentina
Size:
4 cm long
age expectation:
1.5 – 2 years
Breed:
simply
Lining:
Suitable for carnivore reptiles (e.g. bearded dragons, phanteric chameleons, Veiled chameleons or other lizards such as steppe monitors or geckos Drägüs, Blaptica dubia – female, CC BY-SA 3.0
General introduction
Cockroaches roamed the earth before dinosaurs and haven’t changed much since then. you live everywhere – in the mountains, deserts, in the neighborhood with man. In most people, insects inspire fear and aversion, but not everyone shares this opinion.
Exotic Argentine cockroaches can make an interesting pet. Keeping them does not require efforts and special investments. For reptile breeders, the species Blaptica dubia is useful animal fodder.
attitude
Argentine cockroaches are not particularly demandingthey feel in one plastic container and one glass terrarium equally well. The choice of content depends on the goals of the holder. These rather exotic pets are housed in a spacious cage with loose bedding.
Coconut substrate, hardwood sawdust and oak litter are recommended. The soil layer should be 4 cm – 6 cm. Pieces of bark and dry branches are placed on top. A 50 cm x 40 cm x 50 cm terrarium is recommended for 30 animals. The terrarium with its glass walls is particularly suitable because you can also become an observer of the insect life of your exotic pets.
When rearing them as feed animals, the approach is different. The insects can number in the hundreds, so there are difficulties with changing the substrate in which the larvae burrow together; the main bedding is replaced by egg cartons. Using cardboard egg cartons instead of substrate has several advantages:
- It is easier to take care of the terrarium and keep it clean.
- There is excellent ventilation between the egg carton cells, which prevents the growth of fungus.
breed
Some breeders keep nymphs and adults separated. In cages there are only optimal conditions for animals of a certain age. A humidity of 50% is suitable for adult animals, while young animals need 65%.
In such conditions, molting is easier. To maintain the microclimate and ventilation, small holes are made in the lid of the terrarium. Humidity is maintained by spraying the substrate with warm water.
fodder and feeding
The development of your insects depends on the diet. The diet should be varied. The daily main food could be gone Oatmeal, bran and cereal porridge consist. Juicy Vegetables (carrots, pumpkin) and fruit should be given regularly.
Argentine cockroaches love bananas, apples, strawberries, tangerines and oranges. With a sufficient amount of succulent feed, they do not need watering. Feed should be given in small amounts and residue removed daily.
To prevent cannibalism, the insects protein food administered. There are many options available for this: dry food for fish or cats, boiled meat or eggs. A calcium deficiency that occurs can be compensated for with cottage cheese or chalk. Feeding these very special pets is best done in the evening as they are active at night.
Even a beginner cannot go wrong breeding Argentine cockroaches as they are quite undemanding. The main purpose of insects is to serve as food animals for carnivorous reptiles. They are popular as food animals because of their high nutritional value and relative softness of the carapace.
Protein makes up 22% of a cockroach’s body, and the fat and water content is low. The life expectancy of the adult animals is 1 – 2 years; during this time the female produces four to five generations of larvae. Argentine larvae can be fed live to large reptiles.
Other questions
Where can I buy Argentine cockroaches?
These are no ordinary cockroaches invading the kitchen. You can have these exotic pets/food animals on-line or at one reputable insect breeders buy; they cost between EUR 2 and EUR 10 each if kept as pets. The price of feed animals is slightly cheaper.
If you want to set up your own breeding colony, you should buy at least ten animals. Purchase four adult females for each adult male. This increases the likelihood that your breeding colony will produce large numbers of cockroaches over many years.
Are Argentine Cockroaches a Good Pet for Children?
This pet can be a good choice for children, especially if you’re trying to calm a child’s fear of creepy crawlies.
This slow-moving insect doesn’t flap like other bugs, which is a big scare factor for people afraid of insects, and it’s quite tactile. If you can even call an insect cute, the Argentine cockroach comes pretty close.