Habitat of the giant burrowing cockroach
The giant burrowing cockroach rhino roach, or litter bug is one of the largest cockroaches in the world and are native to Eastern Queensland, Australia. The giant burrowing cockroach lives in dry Eucalyptus woodlands , and Acacia scrub. Comparatively both habitats possess dry compact soils. In fact as a burrowing roach they dig using strong clawed legs up to a meter deep. They feed on detritus and fallen eucalyptus leaves and rotting wood. Dragging leaves and other organic matter down into their burrow where they will consume them at their leisure. Giant burrowing cockroach live 8-10 years. Because of this extended lifespan they also sexually mature slowly. It takes nearly 3 years for the rhino roach to become full grown.
Reproduction
Giant burrowing cockroach females become mature enough to breed usually between 3-5 years of age. Females produce litters of nymphs numbering 3-20 once a year. Caring for them up to 6 months until they become independent enough to leave the nest. Similar to other species of Blaberidae rhino roach females give birth to live young. Fertilized eggs are deposited directly into a specialized brood pouch and incubated for about three months until they begin to hatch.
Young nymphs until mature enough feed on leaves utilize the frass of the parents. The adults are attentive parents and tear pieces of leaves for their young nymphs to eat. Giant burrowing cockroach nymphs stay within their parents chamber for up to 12 months in the wild. By the time nymphs are 4 months old you can remove them from the parents in captivity. You may house pairs together year round with success.
Hissing
Adult giant burrowing cockroach and large nymphs can hiss by expelling air from their last pair of abdominal spiracles (tiny breathing holes in the exoskeleton). They hiss when disturbed, when courting and when fighting.
Captive Culture Methods
Indeed in culture it is best to feed giant burrowing cockroach oak leaves which they readily take. Make sure that the area that you are collecting your leaves is free of pesticides and other harmful chemicals. Additionally leaves must be brown and dead. Do harvest and feed leaves that are not dead and brown. These roaches do well at room temperature and do not require a heat mat to develop and breed normally. Note they should be kept in relatively small containers containing a compost, sand and peat mixture. The media needs to be barely moist all the time. The giant burrowing cockroach is a revered species to keep because of its size and docile nature.
Conservation
Notably a scarce species to find in captivity. Plentiful in nature the giant burrowing cockroach are not considered a threatened species. The Netherlands introduced this species to the United States.
Giant burrowing cockroach are usually solitary. Males do at times live in the burrows of immature females. Individuals create a permanent burrow in the wild. They use these to travel up to the surface at night to forage for food. Deep litter is not required in captivity. Captive reared giant burrowing cockroach can be tricked into thinking that a small container is the bottom of their burrow. Leaves can be torn up and placed inside the synthesized “chamber”. They will readily feed on the leaves placed there by the keeper.
Availability
I currently have three pairs of giant burrowing cockroach. They should become sexually mature within a year or so from now. I originally acquired my stock from http://roachcrossing.com . I will begin offering well established nymphs as soon as they begin to produce.
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