Hemiblabera tenebricosa “Horseshoe Crab Roach”

Hemiblabera tenebricosa “Horseshoe Crab Roach” Care Sheet

Hemiblabera tenebricosa, also known as the horseshoe crab roach or the Mickey Mouse roach, is a fascinating species of cockroach that resembles a horseshoe crab. They are native to Central and South America, where they live in leaf litter and burrows. They are relatively easy to keep and breed in captivity and can make interesting pets or feeders for other animals.

Here are some basic care tips for Hemiblabera tenebricosa:

• Housing: You can house them in a plastic bin or a glass aquarium with a secure lid. The size of the enclosure depends on the number of roaches you have, but a general rule is to provide at least one square inch of floor space per roach. You should also provide plenty of hiding places, such as cork bark, egg cartons, or cardboard tubes. The substrate should be a mix of coco fiber, compost, and decaying oak leaves, at least four inches deep to allow burrowing. You can also add some coco chunks or mulch to prevent the substrate from becoming anaerobic and smelly¹.

• Temperature and humidity: Hemiblabera tenebricosa can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, from 60°F to 86°F, but they will grow and breed faster at warmer temperatures. They prefer high humidity, around 70% to 80%, which can be maintained by misting the enclosure regularly and providing a shallow water dish. You can also use a hygrometer to monitor the humidity level.

• Diet: Hemiblabera tenebricosa are not picky eaters, and will accept a variety of foods, such as fruits, vegetables, grains, fish flakes, dog food, or roach chow. You should offer fresh food every other day, and remove any uneaten food to prevent mold and mites. You can also supplement their diet with calcium powder or cuttlebone to ensure healthy growth and reproduction.

• Reproduction: Hemiblabera tenebricosa are live-bearing roaches, meaning they do not lay eggs, but give birth to live nymphs.  The gestation period is about two to three months, and the female can produce up to 30 nymphs per litter. The nymphs are very small and delicate, and may hide in the substrate for a few weeks before emerging. The adult lifespan is about four to eight months, depending on the sex and the temperature.

• Handling: Hemiblabera tenebricosa are generally docile and harmless, and can be handled gently with your fingers or a soft brush. However, they may try to escape or play dead if disturbed, so you should always handle them over a container or a table. You should also wash your hands before and after handling them, and avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth.

I hope this helps you care for your Hemiblabera tenebricosa. They are truly amazing creatures, and I’m sure you will enjoy watching them.