3/2/2022: Battle of the bark roaches

Surely, in the coming days roach keepers will face an inflammatory schism: which is cooler, Lanxoblatta rudis, or Phortioeca sp. “Ecuador”?

There has been a consistent struggle over the years to perpetuate Lanxoblatta rudis in culture, and unfortunately it seems the last reproductively viable group is currently in my hands. My pessimism at getting the species established has shifted to subtle optimism over the last few weeks as fresh adults mature and the overall health of the group seems good, but having never successfully bred the species prior I must remain ever-skeptical.

Phortioeca, on the other hand, are on track to be a relatively easy species. Growth is fairly rapid, favorite parameters seem more generalist than Lanxoblatta rudis, and most importantly, they are not as picky about their resting surfaces as rudis. I have yet to have an adult pop up, but judging by the size several nymphs have gotten to, they will be a beautiful and imposing creature.

However… sp. “Ecuador”, despite being very similar to rudis, is not as adapted to the bark/rock clinging lifestyle which does subtract from the appeal if even slightly. Rudis nymphs are obscenely flat and adhere to their clinging protocol quite religiously. Sp. “Ecuador” have no qualms about breaking their camouflage facade and scurrying about much like other roaches do.

I suppose time will tell, but it seems Phortioeca sp. “Ecuador” may gain better hobby traction due to its overall easiness. We may be lucky to perpetuate Lanxoblatta rudis in culture much longer, though I certainly hope this isn’t the case.

-Kyle