Malaysian Night Dweller (Nocticola sp.) Roach Care Sheet

Introduction:

The Malaysian Night Dweller (Nocticola sp.) roach is a tiny and unique species of roach that belongs to the family Nocticolidae. They are native to Malaysia, where they live in tree hollows, logs, and sometimes inside termite and ant nests. They are the smallest roach species currently in the hobby, measuring only about 2 mm in length. They are dark brown in color, with a distinctive pattern of white spots on their pronotum and abdomen. They are very active and fast, especially at night, and can be kept as pets, feeders, or companions for other invertebrates.

Housing:

The Malaysian Night Dweller roach does not need a large enclosure, as they are very small and do not climb smooth surfaces. A small deli cup, a plastic container, or a glass jar with a tight-fitting lid and some ventilation holes would be suitable for a starter culture. A larger container, such as a gallon jar or a shoebox, can house hundreds of them. The enclosure should have a lot of surface area and hiding places for the roaches, as they are very shy and secretive. A good substrate for them is coconut fiber, mixed with some moss, bark, cork, cardboard, egg crate, or rotten wood. The substrate should be moist, but not wet, as they need high humidity to thrive. The enclosure should also have some dry food, such as fish flakes, dog food, or roach chow, and some fresh fruits and vegetables, such as apple, banana, carrot, or lettuce, for the roaches to feed on.

Temperature and Humidity:

The Malaysian Night Dweller roach prefers warm and humid conditions, similar to their natural habitat. The ideal temperature range for them is between 74°F and 85°F, but they can tolerate lower or higher temperatures as well. The humidity level should be around 80% or higher, which can be achieved by misting the enclosure regularly, or by adding a water dish with a sponge or cotton ball. The roaches should not be exposed to direct sunlight, as they are nocturnal and sensitive to light.

Breeding and Life Cycle:

The Malaysian Night Dweller roach is a prolific breeder, and can produce many offspring in a short time. The females lay tiny oothecae (egg cases) that contain only 3 or 4 eggs each, but they can lay several oothecae per week. The oothecae take about a month to hatch, depending on the temperature and humidity. The nymphs are very small and look like white specks. They molt several times before reaching adulthood, which takes about 3 to 4 months. The adults are wingless and have a lifespan of several months. Interestingly, all the adults seem to be female, and this species may be parthenogenetic, meaning that they can reproduce without males. This is still being tested and confirmed by some breeders.

Handling and Care:

The Malaysian Night Dweller roach is not a good species for handling, as they are very small, fast, and skittish. They can easily escape or get lost if handled carelessly. They are best observed in their enclosure, where they can display their natural behavior and activity. They are easy to care for, as long as they are provided with the right conditions and food. They do not produce any odor or noise, and they do not pose any health risks to humans or other animals. They are a fascinating and unique species of roach that can be enjoyed by hobbyists of all levels.