Saussure’s Giant Sand Roach

Polyphaga saussurei

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Mixed nymphs: $10/each
Starter colony (12 mixed nymphs): $70

Detailed Species Stats -Click-

    • Adult Size: Male: No males. Female: 46 mm.
    • Climbing Abilities: All life stages cannot climb.
    • Flying Abilities: Cannot fly.
    • Mode of Birth: Oviparous.
    • Care Level: Intermediate.
    • Temperature Requirements: 68-85 degrees Fahrenheit.
    • Air Humidity: Dry.
    • Substrate Humidity: Dry.
    • Favorite Foods: Not picky.
  • Locality: None.

This gigantic Polyphaga has persisted in roach collections for many years but has not been readily available until now. At over forty-five millimeters long, it dwarfs all other currently kept sand roach species. Cryptic and exceptionally docile, I have used this cockroach at numerous presentations to demonstrate the slowest side of roach behavior; adult females can be gently picked up by the end of the abdomen like a coin or playing chip and displayed for long periods of time without any movement. When placed down and once the roach feels safe, it will scurry off or bury itself using its spiky legs. Considering its size, winglessness, and tranquility, I speculate the maximum life span for this species may be well over five years; several adults in my colony are over a year old with no signs of aging.

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