Orange Spotted Roach
Species Description

The Dubia Roach, scientifically named Blaptica dubia, belongs to the family Blaberidae, commonly known as giant cockroaches. The genus name Blaptica relates to the broader cockroach classification, while dubia derives from Latin meaning 'doubtful' or 'uncertain,' though the original taxonomic reasoning for this name is unclear. The species was first described scientifically in 1853 by Henri de Saussure.

Alternative common names include the Orange Spotted Roach, referencing the orange-brown spots visible on adult specimens, particularly females. Other names include the Guyana Spotted Roach, Argentinian Wood Roach, and Tropical Spotted Roach. In the pet trade and keeper community, they are almost universally referred to simply as 'dubias' (pronounced DOO-bee-ahs), a convenient shorthand that has become standard terminology.

The species originates from tropical regions of Central and South America, including countries such as Guyana, French Guiana, Brazil, and Argentina. They inhabit forest floor environments where they serve as decomposers, consuming dead plant material, fallen fruit, and other organic debris. This natural diet of diverse organic matter contributes to their adaptability in captivity.

Dubia Roaches have risen to prominence in the pet industry over the past two decades, largely displacing crickets as the preferred feeder insect among informed keepers. Their combination of nutritional superiority, cleanliness, quiet operation, and inability to infest homes has made them the standard against which other feeder insects are measured.

Adult Dubia Roaches display significant sexual dimorphism that makes sexing straightforward. Males reach approximately 1.5 inches (4 cm) in body length and possess fully developed wings that extend past the abdomen, though they cannot sustain flight despite having functional wings. Females are larger and heavier, reaching up to 2 inches (5 cm), with only small wing stubs (tegmina) that cover approximately one-quarter of the abdomen.

Body coloration is brown to dark brown overall, with characteristic orange-brown spotting most visible on adult specimens. The pattern consists of lighter spots against the darker background, concentrated on the pronotum (plate covering the head region) and wings or wing stubs. Females typically display more pronounced spotting than males. Juveniles (nymphs) are darker and lack the distinctive spotting until later instars.

The body structure follows the typical cockroach pattern: a flattened, oval profile with a shield-like pronotum covering the head from above. Long, segmented antennae provide sensory input, while six legs enable the relatively slow, deliberate movement characteristic of this species. Unlike pest roach species, dubias do not possess the specialized leg pads that would allow climbing smooth surfaces, making them easy to contain in standard enclosures.

Nymphs progress through approximately seven instars (growth stages) before reaching adulthood, a process taking 3-6 months depending on temperature and nutrition. Each molt produces a briefly soft-bodied, pale individual that darkens and hardens within hours. The size range from first-instar nymphs (approximately 1/4 inch) to adults provides prey options for predators of vastly different sizes.

The robust build and slow movement of Dubia Roaches contrast sharply with the fast, erratic behavior of crickets. This calmer demeanor, combined with softer exoskeletons relative to body size, makes them easier for predators to capture and digest.

Dubia Roaches exhibit remarkably docile, non-defensive behavior that contributes significantly to their popularity as feeder insects. They display no aggression toward handlers and make no attempt to bite, pinch, or otherwise defend themselves. When disturbed, their typical response is slow retreat to hiding places rather than rapid flight. This calm demeanor makes them exceptionally easy to handle compared to faster, more erratic insects.

Unlike many cockroach species, dubias cannot climb smooth surfaces due to lacking the specialized tarsal pads present in climbing species. This inability makes them easy to contain in glass or smooth plastic containers without screened lids, though ventilation remains important for colony health. Adult males possess wings but cannot fly or even glide effectively; at most, they may flutter briefly when startled.

Dubia Roaches are primarily nocturnal but will move and feed during daylight when undisturbed in their hiding spots. They display thigmotaxis (preference for contact with surfaces), preferring to wedge themselves into tight spaces within egg crate structures or between hiding materials. This behavior makes vertical egg crate stacking ideal, as it maximizes hiding surface area in minimal enclosure space.

Socially, dubias are gregarious and tolerate high-density colony conditions without the cannibalism issues that plague cricket colonies. They coexist peacefully, competing minimally for resources when adequate food and water are provided. This tolerance allows breeding colonies to reach high densities without losses from intraspecific aggression.

Reproductively, Dubia Roaches are ovoviviparous, meaning females retain eggs internally and give birth to live young. A single mating can produce multiple clutches, with females producing 20-40 nymphs approximately monthly when kept warm. This reproductive strategy means colonies can grow rapidly once established, eventually providing a self-sustaining food source.

Housing Dubia Roaches is straightforward, requiring only basic supplies for successful keeping or breeding. Containers with smooth, vertical sides are essential since dubias can climb rough surfaces but not glass or smooth plastic. A 10-gallon aquarium or 40-quart plastic storage tub provides adequate space for a starter colony or significant feeder population. Larger tubs (56 quart or larger) support substantial breeding operations.

Ventilation is critical for colony health, as stagnant, humid air promotes mold growth that can devastate roach populations. Plastic tub lids should be modified by cutting openings and covering them with aluminum window screen or similar mesh. Hot glue secures mesh effectively. Some keepers drill numerous small holes instead, though this provides less airflow. Glass aquariums can use screen lids designed for reptile keeping.

Egg crate flats (cardboard egg packaging material) provide ideal hiding structure. Stack egg crates vertically within the enclosure, allowing roaches to hide in the spaces between cells. This arrangement maximizes surface area while allowing easy access for feeding and collection. Some keepers also add cork bark, toilet paper tubes, or additional cardboard for variety.

Substrate is optional and often avoided for cleanliness. Many successful colonies are maintained on bare container floors, with waste (frass) periodically scooped or vacuumed out. Keepers who prefer substrate for humidity retention or bioactive approaches use coconut fiber, though this requires more intensive cleaning and can harbor mold if moisture control lapses.

Temperature management determines whether a colony merely survives or actively breeds. Room temperature (70-75°F) sustains roaches but produces minimal reproduction. For active breeding, maintain temperatures of 85-95°F, achievable via ceramic heat emitters, under-tank heaters (attached to sides, not bottoms), or heat cable. A thermostat prevents overheating. The warm environment accelerates metabolism, feeding, and reproduction.

Humidity should remain moderate (40-60%) without becoming damp. Water crystals (polymer gel products) or fresh vegetables provide hydration without creating standing water where roaches might drown. Never provide open water dishes. Replace hydration sources regularly to prevent mold.

Dubia Roaches are opportunistic omnivores that consume a wide variety of organic materials. Their natural diet in the wild includes decaying plant matter, fallen fruit, animal droppings, and other decomposing organic debris. This adaptability translates to captivity, where they readily accept diverse foods. However, what you feed your roaches directly affects the nutritional value they provide when fed to other pets.

For breeding colonies or general maintenance, commercial roach chow products provide balanced nutrition optimized for roach health and reproduction. These products typically contain grains, vegetables, and other ingredients formulated for roach nutritional needs. Supplement commercial food with fresh vegetables (dark leafy greens, carrots, squash, sweet potato), fruits (apple, banana, orange), and occasional high-quality protein sources (bee pollen, spirulina).

Critically, avoid high-protein foods like dog food, cat food, or fish food for roaches intended as feeders. Roaches convert excess dietary protein into uric acid, which can harm the reptiles, amphibians, or invertebrates that consume them. Protein content should remain below 20% for feeder colonies. If using protein-rich diets to boost breeding, transfer intended feeders to a low-protein diet for purging before offering to pets.

Gut-loading is the practice of feeding roaches highly nutritious foods immediately before offering them as feeders, ensuring maximum nutritional transfer. Gut-load for a minimum of 24 hours, ideally 48-72 hours, before feeding. High-quality commercial gut-loads exist, or use fresh vegetables rich in calcium and vitamins. Orange vegetables (carrots, squash, sweet potato) provide beneficial carotenoids that can enhance color in reptiles and other animals.

Hydration comes from water crystals (polymer-based products designed for insects), fresh vegetables and fruits, or paste-form commercial diets mixed with water. Avoid open water dishes, as roaches can drown easily. Moist vegetables like cucumber or squash simultaneously provide nutrition and hydration.

Remove uneaten fresh foods before mold develops, typically within 24-48 hours depending on moisture content and environmental conditions. Mold is lethal to roach colonies and must be prevented through proper food management.

Dubia Roaches are hardy insects with simple care requirements, but colony health depends on proper environmental management. The most significant threats involve moisture-related issues, particularly mold, which can spread rapidly and devastate populations. Temperature management also affects colony health and productivity, though dubias tolerate a wider range than they need for optimal breeding. Well-managed colonies can produce thousands of roaches with minimal intervention, providing years of feeder production.

Healthy Dubia colonies are remarkably self-sustaining once properly established. The investment in appropriate setup and basic maintenance routines pays dividends through reliable feeder production for years. These hardy insects reward attentive keepers with thriving, productive colonies.

Dubia Roaches present no handling concerns whatsoever. They cannot bite painfully, do not release defensive odors, and move slowly enough for easy capture. Most keepers simply reach into colonies and pick up roaches as needed for feeding, though some prefer using tongs or small cups for those uncomfortable with direct contact.

For feeding sessions, simply collect the desired number and size of roaches and place them in the predator's enclosure. Their slow movement makes escape unlikely during transfer. Some keepers prefer feeding dishes or designated feeding areas that contain roaches until consumed. Remove uneaten roaches from predator enclosures after a few hours to prevent them from hiding and potentially stressing the predator.

Dusting roaches with calcium or vitamin supplements before feeding enhances nutritional value. Place roaches in a bag or container with supplement powder and gently shake to coat. Feed dusted roaches immediately before the powder falls off. This supplementation is particularly important for animals with high calcium requirements.

Colony maintenance is minimal. Provide fresh food and hydration sources regularly (typically every 2-3 days), remove uneaten fresh foods before mold develops, and periodically clean accumulated frass. Complete enclosure cleaning (removing all roaches, discarding old egg crates, washing container) should occur when significant waste buildup occurs, typically every few months for average-sized colonies.

Some keepers develop mild allergies to Dubia Roaches or their frass with extensive, repeated exposure, particularly those breeding large colonies. Symptoms include sneezing, itchy eyes, or skin irritation. Working in well-ventilated areas and wearing gloves can minimize exposure. If allergies develop, reducing handling frequency or colony size may be necessary.

When collecting roaches from colonies, shake egg crates over a collection container to dislodge roaches. Size-sorting is easy since nymphs of different ages occupy predictable size ranges. For feeding smaller predators, select appropriately-sized nymphs from the colony's available range.

Dubia Roaches represent the optimal feeder insect for most reptile, amphibian, and invertebrate keepers. Their combination of exceptional nutrition, cleanliness, quiet operation, ease of maintenance, and inability to infest homes makes them superior to crickets and most alternative feeders. Any keeper feeding insects to pets should seriously consider Dubia Roaches as a primary feeder source.

Nutritionally, dubias excel. They offer higher protein content than crickets with a more digestible exoskeleton. Their meat-to-shell ratio is excellent, meaning predators receive more nutrition per gram consumed. When gut-loaded with quality foods, dubias transfer beneficial nutrients to the animals consuming them.

Keeping Dubia Roaches as a pet species (rather than feeders) is unusual but entirely possible. Their docile nature, quiet behavior, and interesting reproductive biology make them reasonable display invertebrates. The species' inability to climb or fly means they can be observed in open-top enclosures without escape risk.

Regulatory considerations affect availability in some locations. Florida, California, Hawaii, Louisiana, and Alabama prohibit or restrict Dubia Roaches due to potential establishment in warm climates. Keepers in these states must use alternative feeder insects or obtain special permits where available. Check local regulations before ordering.

Breeding colonies provide long-term economy for keepers with multiple insectivorous pets. The initial investment in adult breeding stock, enclosure, and heating equipment pays for itself quickly compared to ongoing purchases. A well-managed colony becomes self-sustaining, producing more roaches than most households can use.

For keepers not wanting to maintain colonies, purchasing feeders as needed remains practical. Dubia Roaches ship well, tolerate temporary holding conditions, and survive for weeks or months when provided basic care. This longevity contrasts sharply with crickets, which die quickly and create odor problems.

The shift from crickets to Dubia Roaches represents a genuine improvement in feeder insect quality that benefits both pets and keepers. Their advantages are so numerous that many experienced keepers consider them the only feeder insect worth serious consideration for animals capable of consuming them.