Cuban Burrowing Cockroach

Byrsotria fumigata

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 stout, flightless burrowing roach that thrives on deep, moist substrate, high humidity, and steady warmth (75-88°F). Easy to keep and breed, which is why it is popular both as a display roach and as a feeder. Give at least two inches of moist coco/peat/soil to burrow in and a tight lid (it can squeeze through small gaps). Feeds on roach chow, fruit, and veg; moisture from produce/substrate, not open water. Harmless. Lifespan roughly 1-2 years.

Taxonomy

FamilyBlaberidae

GenusByrsotria

Native regionCuba

TypeTerrestrial

Temperamentdocile, hardy; burrows; flightless

Size & growth

Adult size~1.6-2 in (40-50 mm)

Length40.00–50.00 mm

Growth ratemedium

Climate

Temperature75–88 °F

Humidity60–80%

Enclosure

Adult sizeventilated bin/tank with a secure lid

Substratemoist coco fiber/peat/potting soil, ≥2 in deep for burrowing

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