Dubia Roach Care Sheet

Dubia Roach Care Sheet

Description: 

Blaptica dubia a.k.a dubia roaches is a medium-sized species that grows to around 1.6”-1.8”

Size: 

1/8th inch when born, females can reach up to 2 5/8 inches males reach 2-2 1/2 inches

Lifespan: 

16 - 24 months males live less time than females

Care Difficulty Level: 

easy/moderate

Caging: 

Dubia cannot climb glass or smooth plastic. House Dubia roaches in Rubbermaid or Sterlite containers with screened lids. Use mesh screen to allow air circulation. The baby Dubia can climb the textured bins, but the larger nymphs and the adults are to heavy too. If you have a problem with them climbing the textured bins, use packing tape as a roach barrier.

Substrate: 

 Egg crates should be positioned vertically for additional floor/living space. We do not recommend substrate since it makes it difficult to sort. If you decide to use substrate, use coconut fiber (eco earth, bed a beast, coconut coir) and sphagnum moss can be used as can other soil mixtures. If you use any kind of substrate from a hardware store or garden shop, MAKE SURE IT IS CHEMICAL FREE!

Required Temperatures: 

82-95 degrees

Humidity: 

40%-50% is preferred levels. Keep a spray bottle and spray lightly to maintain the proper humifity. Also, water crystals will aid in the humidity.

Food Requirements: 

Dubia roaches are decomposers, feeding on ripe fruit and other plant materials. Dry roach food is available as well. Make sure there are no chemicals in the ingredients. When feeding any fresh fruits or vegetables, do not put in more than they can eat in 24–36-hour period to avoid problems caused by rotten food. Mold can kill a roach colony. A small dish of water crystals should be always available.

Maintenance: 

Always keep food and water available and clean out the waste as needed. Do not allow the waste to get any deeper then 1/2-3/4 of an inch. The baby Dubia will burrow into the waste and should be removed prior to disposing of the waste. Once again, make sure there are no signs of mold.

Breeding Notes: 

Dubia can have 25-35 babies every 6-8 weeks when kept under proper conditions. Dubia take 5 months or so to reach adulthood and can live for a total of 16-24 months. Females normally live longer than males. Keep the temperature around 88, food and water. Do not disturb roaches daily unless you need to add/remove water and food.

Who eats dubias:

Dubia roaches have a higher protein content compared to other feeders. The are preferred to most reptiles. Bearded dragons, leopard geckos, chameleons, praying mantis, Asian forest scorpions and many more.

Further questions: If you are still unsure feel free to contact The Reptile Bar and we will be glad to assist you. We appreciate your business