Spotted Mediterranean Roach

Ectobius pallidus

Starter colony (15 mixed nymphs): $30 ***Wild Caughts*** ( Contact for Availability )
Starter colony (15 mixed nymphs): $40 ( Contact for Availability )

Detailed Species Stats -Click-

Adult Size: Male: 12 mm. Female: 13 mm.
Climbing Abilities: All life stages can climb.
Flying Abilities: Cannot fly.
Mode of Birth: Oviparous.
Care Level: Expert.
Temperature Requirements: 65-90 degrees Fahrenheit. Requires winter diapause.
Air Humidity: Dry.
Substrate Humidity: Not picky.
Favorite Foods: Not picky.
Locality: Livonia, Michigan, United States.

What do horses and a tiny cockroach have in common? Both originated in North America, migrated to Europe, went extinct in their homeland, and then were re-introduced! The spotted Mediterranean roach is an unassuming creature with an interesting history and unique biology that has allowed it to re-colonize its former home. This species is abundant in disturbed forests, grasslands, and edge habitats but can be found sparingly just about anywhere with fair moisture. Exquisitely adapted to temperate climates, large nymphs overwinter by “freezing” in place and dropping to the ground, though due to their strong cold tolerance it’s not uncommon to see them get up and attempt to flee when disturbed during their winter torpor. In mid to late spring, these individuals mature just as trees begin leafing out. Although this cohort usually continues the species’s activity through the summer, some asynchronous individuals persist/tough it out at odd times of the year, such as adults in winter or hatchlings in early spring. A cold period of approximately 60 days at 60 degrees Fahrenheit or lower is a reliable (but annoying) way to break the large nymphs’ diapause requirements, and this can be done using a fridge or by leaving the whole colony somewhere cold when large nymphs are accumulating or a new generation is needed. Oothecae reportedly need a dry period followed by moisture to hatch with a high success rate, and this does contribute to the challenge of colony rearing. While there is nothing particularly fragile about this species, the effort needed to accommodate their life cycle relative to other roaches, high ventilation needs, and visual similarity to other easier tiny Ectobiids renders the spotted Mediterranean roach a bewitching prospect for extreme cockroach enthusiasts and a frustrating tribulation for newbies.