If you are looking for an unusual and memorable pet, then the blaberus, or “dead head” cockroach, will definitely catch your attention. This is not a random guest in the kitchen, but a large, impressive insect that many people keep at home as an exotic animal. Its main feature is the unique pattern on its back, resembling a skull, which gave it such a gloomy but intriguing nickname.
Keeping these cockroaches is not as difficult as it may seem. They are quite unpretentious and do not require constant attention. The main thing is to provide them with a spacious terrarium with shelters where they can hide during the day, as they are mainly active at night. Their diet is simple: fruits, vegetables, dry dog or cat food as a source of protein.
What makes blaberus particularly interesting is their behavior. They do not bite, do not damage things, and are quite slow. They can also hiss! By exhaling sharply through their spiracles, they make a distinct sound that they use to scare off predators. Watching their measured life in a terrarium is a truly meditative and informative activity.
Range and habitat
The homeland of blabers is Mexico, the West Indies, and Central America. It is also found in southern Florida.
They live in fallen leaves, hiding from predators—they often become prey for invertebrates and insectivorous animals, birds, and mammals.
Blaberus craniifer
Interesting! Blaberus cockroaches are social creatures, as they are able to interact and communicate with each other. When they gather in groups, they use a substance secreted from glands in their lower jaws to communicate.
Blaberus
It is also worth noting that blaberus can be used as pets and as food for other pets, such as lizards and snakes.
- Blaberus beetles can make clicking sounds when they run or move.. This is thanks to a special organ called the “paratympanic organ,” located on their abdomen.
- Some species of blaberus can fly. They use their wings to travel long distances or escape danger.
- In some cultures, blaberus are used as food.. For example, in some regions of Latin America, they are grilled and served as an appetizer.
- Blaberus have a very fast metabolism., they quickly consume food and digest it rapidly. This helps them grow and reproduce quickly.
Blaberus can also be used in scientific research. They have been used to study bacteria and fungi, as well as to study the effects of radiation on living organisms.
Blaberus craniifer, nymph
Appearance
Blaberus cockroaches are quite large, averaging 6-8 cm in length, with females being larger than males.
Otherwise, they are similar to each other—light brown in color with a distinctive skull-like spot on their backs.
These insects have well-developed wings and are capable of staying in the air for quite a long time, although in reality they rarely fly and only dive for short distances.
Housing and care
The container for keeping cockroaches (preferably a plastic or glass terrarium) should be large enough for their size. The optimal temperature is 28-32 degrees Celsius, with a humidity of 60%.
Coconut substrate, hardwood sawdust, and paper egg cartons are best suited for bedding.
Keeping cockroaches
The bedding should be at least 2 cm thick. It must be kept moist at all times. moist condition. Driftwood, branches, pieces of bark, and various shelters are suitable for decorating and providing a comfortable environment for blaberus beetles (they should be thoroughly rinsed with boiling water before being placed in the terrarium). The container should be covered with a ventilated lid or mesh.
Please note! Blaberus beetles do not crawl on glass, but, according to insect lovers, they often escape. Despite their large size, it is quite difficult to find these pets in an apartment or house, and prolonged exposure to unsuitable conditions without food poses a threat to their lives.
The problem is that an unsuitable container is used for the cockroach (3 centimeters, and even more so half a centimeter to the edge – unacceptable!!!). A 5 cm layer of petroleum jelly around the edge of the container will prevent escape, but it needs to be renewed regularly. If you are late, dust will stick to it and the cockroaches will be able to overcome the barrier.
— Ekaterina Alekseeva Got acquainted with the world of terrarium keeping as a child
Diet and feeding characteristics
Cockroaches are undemanding insects, but they require good nutrition to avoid disease, death, and cannibalism. They can be fed special insect food, as well as cat or dog food.
Cockroaches love fruit (pears, apples) and root vegetables such as carrots, Jerusalem artichokes, and beets. Egg whites or dried gammarus are suitable as a protein supplement.
A cockroach eats a banana.
The amount of food should be such that the insects can eat it all. Do not leave food out for more than a day – it will start to spoil and rot, causing an unpleasant smell. Essential water them regularly with fresh water. thirst is just as destructive to cockroaches as hunger.
Blaberus, often called “patterned cockroaches” or “dead heads” because of the spots on their backs, are large, peaceful, and undemanding insects that are increasingly kept at home as unusual pets. They do not run around the apartment, do not smell, and do not reproduce too quickly if cared for properly. They need a warm, dry home with shelter, simple food—vegetables, fruits, dry food—and infrequent cleaning. Due to their calm nature and interesting appearance, they appeal to both children and adults who want something unusual instead of a cat or fish.
Reproduction
Cockroaches of this species are ovoviviparous insects. They mate fairly quickly, but young individuals grow slowly.
Before mating, blaberus cockroaches perform a courtship ritual, during which the males run around the females, fluttering their wings. A few days after mating, the female lays an ootheca, which is located in a special pouch.
Please note! It takes about six months for the larvae to grow and reach the imago stage.
The eggs mature in 60-90 days, depending on the temperature. Then the ootheca is discarded, and the larvae free themselves from the cover. One female can produce 22-30 offspring.
Blaberus giganteus (Linnaeus, 1758)
Interesting! Adult and young blaberus are radically different from each other in both appearance and behavior. Young larvae burrow into the substrate so that they are practically invisible on the surface. Imagoes, on the contrary, spend most of their time above ground, often sitting on branches and snags.
Varieties and morphs
Blaberus Fusca morph. The most common brownish variety, found in South America and Florida.
Blaberus Black Wing morph. It has a black coloration and is considered more attractive and expensive than its brown-winged counterparts.
Blaberus giganteus. The largest representative, at one time considered the largest winged cockroach in nature.
Blaberus colosseus. A rare and large cockroach, it differs from other blaberus species in its more uniform coloration.
Blaberus boliviensis. Endemic to Bolivia, it is most often found by insect breeders as a food source.
Blaberus discolidalis. A species common in nature (found in Jamaica, Cuba, Panama, and Colombia), it is distinguished by its fairly light coloration.
Diseases and health maintenance
Blaberus are resilient insects, but poor conditions can weaken them and lead to death. This usually includes low humidity, poor ventilation, and improper feeding.
When it comes to feeding, a lack of protein is extremely harmful. In this case, the following may occur cannibalism and improper chitin formation, this leads to defects (crooked legs, antennae, etc.). In addition, if not cared for properly, blaberus are susceptible to infection by mites and bacteria. Treatment involves completely replacing the bedding, thoroughly cleaning the terrarium, and eliminating any problems related to care.
Blaberus close-up
It is necessary to review food supplements—sometimes insects die from poor-quality dog and cat food.
Interesting facts
Blaberus cockroaches are quite active, but rarely display aggression. Some morphs may hiss, and when released, the insects tend to jump and run away.
- They rarely bite, but may attempt to do so if threatened, though they rarely break through the skin.
- Cockroaches of this species cause almost no problems, but they become quite noisy during mating season.
- Some breeders predict the weather based on the behavior of adult blaberus during the mating season. If courtship becomes particularly intense, precipitation can be expected the next day.
- Under favorable conditions, blaberus reproduce very intensively, so breeders should think in advance about how to deal with an excessively large brood.
- Many breeders keep blaberus together with Madagascar and other cockroaches—with proper care, they can coexist safely.
- The cost of an adult cockroach of this species averages between 20 and 100 rubles, but many breeders give away individuals from overpopulated colonies for free.
Blaberus are very interesting insects to keep, they do not cause unpleasant feelings and will quickly become pets.
So, blaberus are amazing and undemanding neighbors for those looking for an unusual pet. Their frightening nickname, “dead head,” is just a scary tale that has nothing to do with the real character of these insects. They are completely safe, quiet, and interesting to observe in their own way.
Keeping them is really easy. They need a modest terrarium, warmth, humidity, and their favorite food — fruit, dry dog or cat food. They do not require constant attention and live well in colonies, demonstrating the beginnings of social behavior.
If you are not bothered by their appearance, blabbermouths are an excellent choice for a novice entomologist. They prove that the beauty and fascination of nature are often hidden in the most unexpected creatures. This is the perfect way to get in touch with the world of insects without any hassle.
