Red Runner Roaches

A.K.A.

Turkestan Cockroach, Rusty Red Roach

( Blatta lateralis, or Shelfordella lateralis )

Overview

We have Red Runners roaches for sale from our Captive-bred colony started in 2017. One of the most frequent questions we get is ” Can Red Runner roaches be used as feeder? Yes! They are a perfect replacement for Crickets and Dubia. Runners’ sizes at different life stages are similar to Crickets. Unlike Dubia, Red Runners will not burrow and hide in your enclosure’s substrate. Their high-speed ignites a feeding response and exercise in reptiles. Since they don’t fly or jump like crickets

This species is a testament to the importance of using a scientific naming system. Blatta lateralis is known by many common names, and we have listed above their other aliases. If you are looking for a species of feeder roach that breeds quickly, this is the one! Populations can quickly boom with females laying many viable oothecae in their lifetime, which can extend up to 2 years.

Appearance and Size of Red Runner Roaches 

Adults Size: 2.3cm.

Life Span: 2 Years

Reproductive Rate: Very High

Also referred to as the Rusty Red Roach, this species displays a beautiful Orangish Red exoskeleton.  The males have wings and a lighter brown color; they are known to flutter, but I have never witnessed them flying. The females’ hue is a deep and dark red.  This species can reach a maximum size of about an inch. An exciting aspect of this roach is it has been tested to contain high levels of  B12, which is known for keeping nerves and blood cells healthy. Overall this species is a spectacular live feeder insect.

Size Options

The sizing of this roach is not exact, but very close. Below is the recorded range of sizes you will receive or each size selected.

XS: 1/4″

S: 7/16″ – 9/16″

M: 5/8″ – 3/4″

L: 3/4″ – 7/8″

Husbandry and Diet of Red Runner Roaches 

Temperature: 70-85

Humidity: 45-80%

Red Runner roach care is fairly simple compared to other roach species. The colonies can quickly boom, so cleanliness is an essential aspect of their husbandry. We prefer to feed this species, our Dry Roach Food, and Jumbo Water Crystals. We limit the veggies and fruit with this species to keep the containers as dry as possible. No substrate is required, and they are kept in vented containers with vertical egg flats (also available in our store)

Red Runner Colony Habitat: To breed, you need a warm, dark area to store them. House the Runners in a plastic storage container, tank with a screen lid, or pre-made habitat. 20-gallons per 1000 adults is ideal.

Red Runner Roach Diet

A quality Base diet for your roaches should be a professional premade mix.  Our “Supreme Feed” is high in calcium, probiotics, and essential vitamins and minerals. The formulation acts as a gut-load, providing quality nutrition to your reptiles. The recipe has been perfected through experimentation since 2016.

>Click Here to Buy Supreme Feed<<

In addition to a Premade mix, supplemental food and treats should be added to the roach bin. Here are some of our top picks.

• Vegetable-Based: Potato, sweet potato, dried peas
• Fruit-Based:  Oranges, Bananas, Apples
• Fungi-Based: Dried Mushrooms
• Fiber-Based: Leaf litter, Oats, Grains
• Water: We Recommend giving water to your roaches using “water crystals.”  Standing water in the habitat can cause, spills, mold, and unsanitary conditions. We have large size crystals that reduce surface area and evaporation making supplying water a breeze.

>>Click here to Buy Water Jelly <<

Red Runner Roaches Natural Habitat: 

The native range includes Northern Africa and Stretches into Central Asia. Reported Invasive to southern Florida, USA.

TC INSECTS FEEDER NUTRITION TABLE

The Nutritional Contents of the Red Runner Roach will be similar to Dubia of equal size. However, this species has tested with higher levels of B12.  Which helps energy and metabolism in reptiles.