Cuban Burrowing Roach Care Sheet

Cuban burrowing roaches (Byrsotria fumigata) are small to medium-sized, flightless cockroaches that are native to Cuba and other tropical regions. They are popular among hobbyists and breeders as they are easy to keep, breed, and feed to other pets. They are also fascinating to observe as they exhibit brooding behavior and aggregation pheromones. In this care sheet, you will learn how to set up, maintain, and breed a colony of Cuban burrowing roaches.

Housing

Cuban burrowing roaches need a secure enclosure with a tight-fitting lid, as they can squeeze through small gaps and escape. A plastic or glass container with ventilation holes is ideal. The size of the enclosure depends on the number of roaches you want to keep, but a general rule is to provide at least one square inch of floor space per roach.

The substrate should be at least two inches deep and consist of a moist, organic material such as coconut fiber, peat moss, or potting soil. This will allow the roaches to burrow and hide during the day. You can also add some leaf litter, bark, or cork pieces to provide more hiding places and enrichment.

The ideal temperature should be kept between 78°F and 82°F (26°C and 28°C), which can be achieved by using a heat mat, a heat lamp, or a room heater. The humidity should be around 40% to 50%, which can be maintained by misting the enclosure once or twice a week. Avoid over-misting, as this can cause mold and bacterial growth.

Feeding

Cuban burrowing roaches are omnivorous and will eat a variety of foods, such as fruits, vegetables, grains, nuts, seeds, dry dog food, fish flakes, and insect pellets. You can also offer them occasional treats, such as mealworms, waxworms, or crickets. Provide fresh food every two or three days and remove any uneaten food to prevent spoilage.

Cuban burrowing roaches also need a constant source of clean water, which can be provided in a shallow dish with a sponge or cotton balls to prevent drowning. Alternatively, you can use a water gel or a water crystal product, which are safer and less messy.

Breeding

Cuban burrowing roaches are easy to breed, as they are sexually mature in 5 to 7 months and produce live young. The mating behavior consists of a series of interactions between the male and female, such as antennal contact, head rocking, wing raising, and mounting. The female then carries the fertilized eggs in a brood sac under her abdomen for about a month, until she gives birth to 20 to 40 first-instar nymphs.

The female exhibits brooding behavior, which means she stays with her offspring and protects them from predators and other roaches. The nymphs aggregate under and around their mother, using her as a source of food, shelter, and pheromones. The nymphs molt 6 to 8 times before reaching adulthood, which takes about 6 months.

Conclusion

Cuban burrowing roaches are an interesting and easy-to-care-for species of cockroach that can be kept as pets or feeders. They require a secure enclosure with a moist substrate, a warm and humid environment, and a varied diet. They are prolific breeders and exhibit unique behaviors, such as brooding and aggregation. With proper care and attention, Cuban burrowing roaches can live up to 1 to 2 years in captivity.