Among the many species of insects kept at home, the Turkmen cockroach occupies a special place. These small, nimble, and unpretentious creatures were once known mainly to specialists. However, today they are increasingly found in the home collections of wildlife enthusiasts.
Why has this species become so popular? The answer is simple: it is one of the best and most convenient food sources for other terrarium inhabitants, such as lizards, spiders, and amphibians. But even on its own, the Turkmen cockroach can be an interesting pet to watch.
In this article, we will talk in simple terms about what these cockroaches look like, what to feed them, and how to create suitable living conditions for them. You will learn that keeping them does not require much effort or expense, and even a beginner can easily handle it.
Habitat and lifestyle
Its original habitat is in Central Asia. However, in recent decades, it has been introduced to the Caucasus, the Arabian Peninsula, North Africa, and Iran.
Today, it can be found in the following countries:
- Turkey;
- Turkmenistan;
- Tajikistan;
- Iraq;
- Iran;
- Azerbaijan;
- Georgia;
- Egypt;
- Saudi Arabia;
- Yemen;
- Libya;
- Algeria;
- Jordan;
- Syria, etc.
Turkmen cockroach
Recently, there have been reports of cockroaches appearing in the US, where they were brought in by American soldiers who had been in the Middle East and Afghanistan.
The insect leads nocturnal lifestyle. During the day, it hides in damp places (under stones, leaves, in crevices, hollows, etc.). At night, it goes out in search of food. Their habitats are located near water sources. In their natural habitat, they feed mainly on decaying vegetation and decomposing wood. They can eat berries, fruits, and vegetables. They often settle near human dwellings in rural areas.
Blatta Lateralis
Note! Males are attracted to light, so they are able to get inside buildings and eat food scraps. However, they do not create full-fledged colonies inside human dwellings. They more often live nearby and periodically visit to eat, then run away.
Appearance
The insect has pronounced sexual dimorphism. Males are noticeably larger (up to 30 mm) and lighter in color than females. They have a reddish body color and fully developed wings.
Females are 25% smaller (20-23 mm), brown in color, and completely wingless. Both sexes 3 pairs of limbs. They are covered with teeth and villi, which allows them to move even on vertical smooth surfaces.
Long and extremely sensitive antennae are located at the front. antennae, which they use to search for food.
Housing conditions
It is necessary to create the most comfortable living conditions for the insect. This is necessary for it to develop and reproduce normally.
Terrarium size
For a normal colony, the terrarium should be at least 50 liters in size. It can hold up to 400-500 individuals. Plastic or glass can be used as the material.
Temperature and humidity
The optimal temperature is considered to be within the range of 27-30°C. In such conditions, cockroaches feed well and can mate. When the temperature drops below 25°C, they become passive and do not reproduce.
Please note! It is better to use a heating pad rather than a lamp for heating.
This insect loves moisture, so the humidity level should be between 50-70%. A water dispenser is needed to regulate humidity. It is also recommended to use a moist substrate.
Photos of cockroaches
It is also necessary to constantly spray dry areas in the terrarium.
Lighting
The insect is nocturnal and does not like light, so the terrarium should be in the shade. In the absence of direct sunlight, cockroaches will be active almost around the clock. A lamp for lighting is not necessary.
Cockroaches do not like light
Ventilation
The terrarium must be well ventilated. It is necessary to make many small holes in the lid or use a special mesh with small cells.
Substrate and decor
The substrate should be at least 2 cm thick. It can be made from sawdust, tree bark, coconut fiber, and old wood with the addition of perlite or vermiculite. Additionally, you need to make a shelter from tree branches or shrubs, paper, cardboard, etc. A shelter is a must, because cockroaches like to hide. They experience severe stress in open spaces. In addition, nymphs only molt in shelters.
Turkistan Roach
Note! The substrate should be changed and the terrarium cleaned regularly. The larger the colony, the more often cleaning should be done. Their waste products are very toxic, so a dirty terrarium will cause mass death of insects.
Food
What does the Turkmen cockroach eat? Its diet consists mainly of vegetables, fruits, and greens.
Insects can be fed the following foods:
- carrots;
- cucumbers;
- apples;
- apricots;
- pears;
- parsley;
- dandelion;
- dill;
- spirulina;
- lettuce;
- oak leaves;
- oatmeal;
- peanuts;
- crackers;
- cat and dog food.
Please note! Do not feed bananas, cabbage, tomatoes, pumpkin, or eggplant.
Food should not contain preservatives or other chemical additives that could negatively affect the health of the insects. The portion should be calculated so that the colony eats it within 1-2 days. This will prevent mold and fruit flies from appearing.
Keeping cockroaches
This is important! Cockroaches need protein, otherwise they will start eating each other. To this end, they are periodically fed gammarus and daphnia. The insect does not drink water, so a water bowl is only necessary to regulate humidity. The water bowl should not be deep enough for the cockroaches to drown in it.
Reproduction
For normal colony development, you need to have at least 5-6 males and 12-15 females. Mating occurs regularly.
The female carries ooteque (capsule with eggs) for up to 14 days, then she drops it into the substrate. After about 30-40 days, 15-20 larvae emerge from the eggs. The young do not eat anything for the first few days (3-5 days), feeding on the substances stored in the egg. Then they switch to the standard diet of adult individuals. The development of the nymph lasts 4-5 months. During this time, it molts several times. The female is capable of laying eggs every 2-3 weeks.
Female (top) and male (bottom) mating
To regulate the population size, it is necessary to change the temperature regime. Insects stop reproducing at temperatures below 25°C.
Ootheca of the Turkestan cockroach
However, they cannot be kept in such conditions for a long time, otherwise the population may start to get sick.
Diseases and health
Under normal conditions, there should be no health problems. It is only necessary to clean the terrarium regularly and change the substrate in a timely manner.
It is important to remove dead insects and shed exoskeletons, as they can become infested with carnivorous mites, which are dangerous not only to cockroaches but can also cause allergies in humans.
The Turkmen cockroach is a small creature that is sometimes kept at home not out of love for insects, but to feed predatory pets such as lizards or spiders. It is unpretentious: it lives in a warm, dry container and feeds on simple food such as grain, bread, or vegetables. It reproduces quickly, does not smell, and does not bite, so it is suitable as “live food.” The main thing is to make sure that it does not scatter around the house, because it is important to control their population.
Why are they bred?
Turkmen cockroaches are most often bred as food for other exotic animals. It is a protein-rich and environmentally friendly food.
The insect is used as food for the following animals:
- hedgehogs;
- spiders;
- raccoons;
- scorpions;
- opossums;
- praying mantises;
- chameleons;
- lizards;
- birds;
- ants.
Please note! Cockroaches have a higher nutritional value than crickets and mealworms.
Cockroaches have a soft shell that is easily digestible. In addition, cockroaches do not have any unpleasant odors. All components are easily digestible, and the insect itself offers virtually no resistance.
Blatta Lateralis
Canned cockroaches are available for sale. Let's look at several types of feed.
ONTO Canned Turkmen cockroaches
Russian food made from Turkmen cockroaches. Contains no preservatives. It is a good source of vitamins and amino acids for pets. The food is suitable for raccoons, spiders, large birds, reptiles, and fish. Sold in 40 g packages. Costs about 400-450 rubles.
AQUAMENU Turkmen canned cockroaches
Another Russian brand that produces canned products based on Turkmen cockroaches. A natural product without GMOs and preservatives. Can be stored for up to 7 days after opening. This is a universal food for most pets.
It is suitable for rodents, reptiles, aquarium fish, primates, and arachnids. Sold in plastic packaging of 40 g. Cost – 350-400 rubles.
Yumster Turkmen whole canned cockroaches
Complete food for insectivorous animals made from whole cockroaches. Suitable for a wide range of pets:
- centipedes;
- spiders;
- scorpions;
- hamsters;
- rats;
- hedgehogs;
- chipmunks;
- monkeys;
- aquarium fish;
- reptiles, etc.
Note! All insects are raised without the use of hormones, growth stimulants, or antibiotics. They contain large amounts of easily digestible phosphorus and calcium. Cost: 400-500 rubles for 40 g.
In conclusion, the Turkmen cockroach is an excellent choice for those looking for an unpretentious and interesting pet. It does not require much space, eats almost anything, and is very easy to care for. It is ideal for beginners.
If you keep reptiles or other insectivorous animals, these cockroaches will be an excellent and nutritious food source. They reproduce quickly, ensuring you have a constant supply of live food.
Don't forget the main rule—terrarium safety. Although this species does not crawl on glass, it is better to be safe than sorry. A secure lid with ventilation will protect you from unexpected “escapes.”
Ultimately, these insects prove that even such unusual creatures can be fascinating. They will open up a whole world of terrarium keeping for you with minimal time and effort.
