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== Taxomony == '''Order:''' Insecta <br /> '''Family:''' Blattodea <br /> '''Genus:''' Nauphoeta <br /> '''Species:''' cinerea == Introduction == Native to East Africa including Madagascar. Has been introduced to Cuba, Mexico, Brazil, Galapagos Islands, Philippines, Singapore, Sumatra, Australia and the Hawaiian Islands. [[Image:Lobster_Roach.jpg|thumb|left|Kept by Main Author]] These cockroaches have become very popular in the pet trade as feeders for many reptiles and other inverts such as scorpions and tarantulas. The body is very soft having a high meat to body ratio making them a good food source. They're smell is minimal being much less offensive than many of the other feeder species. == Difficulty == Please contribute to this section. == Basic Info == === Size === Please contribute to this section. === Lifespan === Approximately 1 year. === Handling === Please contribute to this section. == Housing == I use a 69 quart sterlite container with part of the lid cut out and a screen placed with liquid nail or hot glue for ventilation. Place egg cartons for hiding places make sure there is enough hiding places for the roaches. Place a 2 inch strip of (bug stop) vaseline or olive oil around the top of the enclosure to prevent escape. These are a climbing species. The strip will stop them from getting out though. Replace the strip every 1 to 3 months or when it has dried up. === Substrate === None needed. I offer them a substrate of alfalfa pellets, just in case some don't get to eat. === Temperature === 80 to 90 F. The cooler they are the slower they breed. The hotter they are the faster they breed. === Humidity === I find they do better at a humidity between 40% to 60%, this can be accomplished by misting the cage 2 to 3 times a week. === Lighting === Please contribute to this section. == Feeding == === Diet === I provide mine with a commercial roach or cricket feed. Adding fresh greens like collard and mustard 2 to 3 times a week. I also offer them dogwood. === Supplements === Please contribute to this section. === Hydration === I provide them with water gel this keeps the water from spoiling. == Advanced == === Sexing === Males generally have shorter wings and a thinner flatter body. === Breeding === You can start off with 50 to 100 roaches to keep a good colony established. == Conclusion == These are a far superior feeder to crickets, because they breed so quickly live longer. They don't have an odor to them. == References == === Websites === Please contribute to this section. === Books === Please contribute to this section. == Author == This article was originally written by [http://www.thereptilefile.com/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=242 stone]. View other articles by [http://www.thereptilefile.com/wiki/index.php?title=Category:stone stone]. Please note that others may have contributed to this article. [[Category:Care Guides]] [[Category:stone]]

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