Florida Woods Cockroach

Eurycotis floridana

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 large, hardy North American roach nicknamed the skunk roach: when alarmed adults eject an extremely foul, directional defensive spray up to about a metre — so it is a look-don't-provoke display species rather than a handling one. Keep semi-humid with a gradient (moist under hides, drier above) and moderate-to-high ventilation, 70-85°F. A protein-loving species — offer dog/cat/chick feed plus fruit and veg, and keep protein and moisture adequate or it may eat its own oothecae. Flightless. Harmless to humans aside from the odor and possible irritation from the spray.

Taxonomy

FamilyEctobiidae

GenusEurycotis

Native regionSoutheastern USA (Florida)

TypeTerrestrial

Temperamenthardy; sprays a foul defensive musk when alarmed

Size & growth

Adult size1.2-1.6 in (30-40 mm)

Length30.00–40.00 mm

Growth ratemedium

Climate

Temperature70–85 °F

Humidity50–70%

Enclosure

Adult sizeventilated bin/tank with a secure lid

Substratecoco/peat with a humidity gradient (moist under hides, drier above); good airflow

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