Pacific Beetle Mimic - Roach Crossing

Diploptera punctata

Starter colony (12 mixed nymphs): $50

Detailed Species Stats -Click-

- Adult Size: Male: 17 mm. Female: 22 mm.

- Climbing Abilities: All life stages can climb.

- Flying Abilities: Cannot fly.

- Mode of Birth: Viviparous.

- Care Level: Easy.

- Temperature Requirements: 75-85 degrees Fahrenheit.

- Air Humidity: Dry.

- Substrate Humidity: Dry.

- Favorite Foods: Not picky.

Locality: None.

By far one of the cutest roaches, this species mimics a small brown beetle. Despite its unassuming appearance, this species is protected by extremely powerful chemicals called benzoquinones, which it releases when threatened. The Pacific beetle mimic is special among roaches because, unlike most species which lay egg cases and others that simply retain their egg cases inside their bodies, this species possesses true live birth. Like humans, the young are directly nourished inside the womb by the mother before they are born. Because of the amount of parental investment in the offspring, they are born proportionally large for roach babies, though there are fewer offspring per litter. The Pacific beetle mimic appreciates a dry enclosure with plenty of fruit to snack on. This current strain originates from Auburn university and trends a little smaller than the other hobby line.