Black Beetle Mimic Roach

Ergaula pilosa

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 round, glossy, beetle-mimicking roach — females are wingless and tank-like while males are winged. Keep 2-3 inches of coco/peat/soil topped with a layer of decaying hardwood leaf litter, which is an important part of the nymphs' diet, in a humid but well-ventilated enclosure at 75°F or warmer. Adults climb, so use a tight lid. Feeds on dog/cat/chick/fish feed plus leaf litter; moisture from substrate/produce. Females bury oothecae in the substrate; nymphs take 6-8 months to mature. Harmless.

Taxonomy

FamilyCorydiidae

GenusErgaula

Native regionSoutheast Asia

TypeTerrestrial

Temperamentdocile; burrows; adults climb; flightless females

Size & growth

Adult size~1-1.2 in (25-30 mm)

Body length0.98–1.26 in

Growth ratemedium

Life stagesNumbered instars

Climate

Temperature70–85°F

Humidity60–80%

Enclosure

Adult sizeventilated bin/tank with a secure lid

Substrate2-3 in coco/peat/soil topped with decaying hardwood leaf litter (key nymph food)

Substrate depth2-3 inches

Water dishOptional

Feeding

Feeding modeOmnivore

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

Food & schedulecontinuous (chow + fresh produce for moisture)

Times kept: 0