Simandoa Cave Roach

Simandoa conserfariam

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 conservation story on six legs: known only from a single cave in Guinea that was destroyed by bauxite/iron-ore mining, this species now survives only in captivity — 'extinct in the wild.' Keeping it genuinely helps preserve it. Adults are speckled olive-grey with yellow abdominal striping and red legs; nymphs darken then develop stripes. Keep on moist substrate at 70-85°F, 50-65% humidity. It runs fast and climbs smooth surfaces, so a tight lid or a petroleum-jelly barrier is essential. Feeds on carrot, potato, apple, and orange plus chow; moisture from produce/substrate. Harmless.

Taxonomy

FamilyBlaberidae

GenusSimandoa

Native regionGuinea (cave endemic; extinct in the wild)

TypeTerrestrial

Temperamentdocile, fast; climbs smooth surfaces; flightless

Size & growth

Adult size1.6-1.9 in (42-47 mm)

Length42.00–47.00 mm

Growth ratemedium

Climate

Temperature70–85 °F

Humidity50–65%

Enclosure

Adult sizeventilated bin/tank with a secure lid

Substratemoist coco/peat; bark hides; a petroleum-jelly rim barrier (fast climber)

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