How to care for discoid roaches

Caring for Discoid roaches is straightforward and requires minimal effort. A 10-30 gallon storage tote can comfortably house an entire colony. Ensure adequate ventilation by providing ventilation holes in the tote's lid to maintain proper airflow and prevent excessive humidity buildup. Discoid roaches, unable to climb smooth plastic surfaces, pose no risk of escaping into the home environment. In the rare event of an escape, Discoids do not establish infestations indoors, given their specific environmental requirements and inability to thrive outside tropical climates.

These roaches, characterized by their burrowing nature, prefer laying eggs in a substrate, with nymphs finding security in hiding within it. A recommended substrate mix comprises coconut fiber and sphagnum peat moss, or any other chemical-free topsoil.

Setting up a habitat for Discoid roaches, first cut ventilation holes in the tote's lid, covering them with screen material secured with hot glue, and adding 2-3 inches of substrate to the bottom of the bin. Vertically aligning egg flats inside the bin provides additional nesting and hiding spaces for the roaches. Given their preference for darkness, if the bin is transparent, it's advisable to place it in a dark location.

Feeding your colony and roach care

Discoid roaches, while belonging to the roach family, have a diverse diet and will consume almost anything provided. However, when catering to the nutritional needs of our reptilian companions, it's crucial to prioritize high-quality nutrition, as the diet of feeder insects directly impacts the health of the pets they feed. Ensuring an ample food supply is essential, as discoid roaches have been observed to resort to cannibalism if food is scarce. To address this, I consistently offer homemade roach chow made from oats, corn cereal, multivitamins, and fish food for added protein, along with daily servings of fresh vegetables and fruits. Promptly removing excess food helps prevent mold growth, which can threaten the entire roach colony. To provide hydration without the risk of drowning, water dishes are replaced with water crystals, or wet paper towels or sponges are used within the enclosure.

Temperature and Humidity

Discoid roaches, native to tropical climates, thrive in warm, humid conditions. They prefer humidity levels between 40-80%, but for optimal colony health, maintaining levels between 50-65% is advisable. While they can endure room temperature, breeding typically occurs around 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Achieving these conditions can be done with a heat mat positioned on the enclosure's side (never underneath to protect offspring) or a ceramic heat emitter placed on top.

Breeding Discoids

Discoid roaches are prolific breeders, typically maturing in about three months, although this timeline may vary depending on the variety. Once matured, they begin producing nymphs monthly. Female discoids give live birth to 30-45 nymphs each month. To ensure a successful and thriving colony, it's essential to manage the male population. Maintaining a male to female ratio of 1:3-1:5 (one male for every three to five females) is ideal. An excess of males can lead to mating competition and intra-group conflicts.

Distinguishing between males and females is relatively straightforward. Females tend to be larger than males, and their wings usually do not extend to the tip of their bodies. In contrast, male wings typically surpass the body's end. Additionally, when inverted, males possess two plates at the body's end, while females have only one large plate.