Giant Peppered Roach

Archimandrita tessellata

RoachbeginnerHarmlessCommunal OK

No venom, no sting

Pet and feeder roaches are harmless to humans — no venom, no sting, and no meaningful bite. Wash your hands after handling.

About

A big, peppered-patterned display roach and one of the calmest to handle. Slightly cooler-tolerant than Dubia (75-80°F is fine). Wants a humid setup — deep moisture-holding substrate with sphagnum and decaying wood for breeding, plus plenty of vertical bark hides where adults rest and large nymphs do their final molt. Feeds on chow, fruit, and veg; moisture from substrate/produce. Harmless and docile.

Taxonomy

FamilyBlaberidae

GenusArchimandrita

Native regionCentral America

TypeTerrestrial

Temperamentcalm; one of the best handling roaches

Size & growth

Adult size2-3 in (~72 mm)

Length60.00–72.00 mm

Growth ratemedium

Climate

Temperature70–85 °F

Humidity50–70%

Enclosure

Adult sizeventilated bin/tank with a secure lid

Substratemoisture-holding coco/peat with sphagnum + decaying wood; many vertical hides

Substrate depth2-4 inches

Water dishOptional

Feeding

Feeding modeOmnivore

Prey sizeomnivore — roach chow/dry dog food, fruit, veg, occasional protein

Adult cadencecontinuous (chow + fresh produce for moisture)

Times kept: 0