Ruby Long-Wing Roach - Roach Crossing

Ischnoptera sp. “Perry”

Starter colony (15 mixed nymphs): $40

Detailed Species Stats -Click-

Adult Size: Male: 19 mm. Female: 18 mm.
Climbing Abilities: Adults of both sexes can climb.
Flying Abilities: Adult males may be able to fly.
Mode of Birth: Oviparous.
Care Level: Easy.
Temperature Requirements: 78-85 degrees Fahrenheit.
Air Humidity: Not picky.
Substrate Humidity: Moist.
Favorite Foods: Not picky.
Locality: Perry, Florida.

This intriguing cockroach resembles Ischnoptera deropeltiformis and may be a subspecies or variant of it, though there are some suspicious differences. The deep ruby color of the wings is most notable on adult males in contrast with their shiny black pronota, but is present in the brachypterous females as well. The most perplexing thing about this species is that when originally found in 2015, all males in the wild population had short wings. When Alan Jeon returned to the exact same spot in 2020 to restart the captive culture, all males produced had long wings. This trait may be population density dependent, but as of now there is no solid explanation for this phenomenon.