Strawberry Long-Wing Roach

Ischnoptera rufa “Costa Rica”

Starter colony (15 mixed nymphs): $30

Detailed Species Stats -Click-

- Adult Size: Male: 17 mm. Female: 18 mm.

- Climbing Abilities: Adults of both sexes can climb.

- Flying Abilities: Adults of both sexes can fly.

- Mode of Birth: Oviparous.

- Care Level: Easy.

- Temperature Requirements: 78-85 degrees Fahrenheit.

- Air Humidity: Moist.

- Substrate Humidity: Moist.

- Favorite Foods: Not picky.

Locality: None.

Within the genus Ischnoptera, there are over 90 described species with many more certainly lurking in the jungles of the Neotropics. That being said, with a dwindling number of professional cockroach taxonomists, it is anything but probable that this beautiful little species will be formally identified. Sometimes, it’s nice to be wrong. This species was recently identified as Ischnoptera rufa, which intriguingly has a disjunctive, introduced population in Florida. It is quite prolific and fast-growing, with nymphs reaching adulthood in 3 to 5 months and adults laying many egg cases. The nymphs cannot climb, do not burrow (though they will scurry under loose cover when frightened), and hatch out as large as pinhead crickets, making them excellent feeders.