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== Taxomony == '''Order:''' Insecta <br /> '''Family:''' Blattodea <br /> '''Genus:''' Nauphoeta <br /> '''Species:''' cinerea == Introduction == [[Image:Lobster_Roach.jpg|thumb|left|Kept by Main Author]] Native to East Africa including Madagascar. Has been introduced to Cuba, Mexico, Brazil, Galapagos Islands, Philippines, Singapore, Sumatra, Australia and the Hawaiian Islands. 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 === Large, reaching 0.98–1.14 in (25–29 mm) in length. === 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 === No lighting necessary. == 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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