Domino Roach

Therea petiveriana

RoachintermediateHarmlessCommunal 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 striking black-and-white display roach — bold domino markings make it one of the most popular ornamental species. Nymphs are fossorial and burrow, so give a few inches of coco/sand substrate; adults are active surface runners. Slower to breed than dubia and a bit more demanding on substrate depth and a moisture gradient, hence intermediate. OMNIVORE feeding (chow + produce). Adults can climb but are typically kept in bins with a secure lid. Harmless.

Taxonomy

FamilyCorydiidae

GenusTherea

Native regionSouthern India

TypeTerrestrial

Temperamentactive, skittish

Size & growth

Adult size0.9-1 inch

Growth rateslow

Climate

Temperature75–88 °F

Humidity50–65%

Enclosure

Adult sizesmall bin for a colony

Substratecoco fiber / sand mix — nymphs burrow and need depth

Substrate depth2-3 inches

Water dishOptional

Feeding

Feeding modeOmnivore

Prey sizen/a (omnivore)

Adult cadenceroach chow + produce; light moisture gradient

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