What are Dubia Roaches?
Dubia roaches, scientifically known as Blaptica dubia, are a popular choice among reptile, amphibian, and insectivorous pet owners as feeder insects. Often referred to as orange-spotted roaches, Guyana spotted roaches, or Argentinian wood roaches, these cockroaches are native to the warmer climates of Central and South America. They are a medium-sized species, well-regarded in the pet industry for their nutritional value and ease of care.
Dubia Roaches
Why Dubia Roaches Are Excellent Feeder Insects
Dubia roaches have earned their reputation as a top-tier feeder insect for a variety of pets, including reptiles like bearded dragons and leopard geckos, amphibians, invertebrates, and other exotic animals. Many keepers consider them superior to other options due to several key advantages:
- Nutritional Completeness: Dubia roaches offer a balanced nutritional profile, crucial for the health and vitality of insectivorous pets.
- Digestibility: They are easily digestible, minimizing digestive issues in pets.
- Ease of Husbandry: Dubia roaches are simple to keep and maintain, making them convenient for pet owners.
- Low Parasite Risk: Compared to wild-caught insects, dubia roaches raised in controlled environments have a significantly lower risk of carrying parasites.
- Size Variety: Available in various sizes, from small nymphs to larger adults, dubia roaches can cater to pets of different ages and sizes.
Dubia Roach Nutritional Value: A Detailed Look
To provide concrete data on their nutritional benefits, we at flyermedia.net conducted laboratory testing of our Dubia roaches at Barrow-Agee laboratory in Tennessee. The following table details the nutritional composition of Extra Small Dubia Roach Nymphs (approximately 3-5 days old) and Extra Large Dubia Roach Nymphs (around 3.5 months old, nearing adulthood):
| Size | Moisture (%) | Protein (%) | Fat (%) | Ash (%) | Fiber (%) | Calcium (mg/kg) | Phosphorus (mg/kg) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Extra Small | 71.5 | 21.4 | 6.1 | 1.3 | 2.6 | 700 | 2600 |
| Extra Large | 65.6 | 23.4 | 7.2 | 1.2 | 2.9 | 800 | 2600 |
These results indicate that both extra small and extra large nymphs are nutritionally comparable. Larger roaches exhibit slightly less moisture, a bit more fat, and a higher protein content, making them an excellent source of essential nutrients for growing pets.
Feeding Dubia Roaches to Your Pet: Best Practices
Before offering dubia roaches to your pet, it’s crucial to dust them with calcium powder. This step is vital to correct the naturally occurring calcium-to-phosphorus imbalance in roaches. The ideal calcium to phosphorus ratio for reptiles is 2:1, while dubia roaches have a ratio of 1:3 to 1:4. Calcium dusting is easily done by placing the roaches in a bag or container with calcium powder and gently shaking to achieve a light coating.
Dusting Dubia Roaches
There are several methods for feeding dubia roaches to your pet:
- Separate Feeding Enclosure: Transfer your pet to a separate tank or tub to feed. Releasing the dubias in this space allows your pet to exhibit natural hunting behaviors.
- Feeding Bowl: Place dubias in a smooth-sided feeding bowl. Consider using an escape-proof feeder dish, as dubias can climb out of many standard bowls.
- Hand-Feeding: Offer dubias directly to your pet using soft-tipped feeding tweezers for a more controlled and interactive feeding experience.
Housing and Storing Dubia Roaches: Setting Up Their Habitat
Keeping dubia roaches is straightforward. For small orders, they can temporarily reside in the cups they arrive in, with added food and water. For larger quantities or breeding colonies, a more substantial setup is needed. Suitable housing options include small tanks, critter keepers, or plastic tubs. The enclosure should be furnished with egg flats to provide ample hiding spaces and climbing surfaces, mimicking their natural environment.
What to Feed Your Dubia Roaches: Ensuring Their Nutritional Value
Providing proper nutrition to your dubia roaches is essential, as their nutritional content directly impacts the health of your pet. Commercial products like Dubia Dew for hydration and Roach Chow for balanced nutrition are excellent choices. Using commercial chow ensures they receive the necessary nutrients. Supplement their diet with fresh, organic vegetables such as dark leafy greens, sweet potato, or squash for added vitamins and hydration. Always wash organic produce thoroughly before feeding it to your dubias. Crucially, avoid providing open water dishes, as dubia roaches can drown in them. Dubia Dew or moisture-rich vegetables are sufficient for their hydration needs.
Dubia Roach Lifespan: How Long Do They Live?
With proper care, dubia roaches can live for several months. It’s important to remember they will grow over time. Unless your pet can consume adult-sized roaches, order quantities that can be used before they become too large.
Breeding Dubia Roaches: Establishing a Colony
Breeding dubia roaches is relatively easy, making it a viable option for owners with multiple insectivorous pets. Establishing a colony requires:
- Secure Enclosure: A well-ventilated container to prevent escape.
- Heat Source: Dubia roaches breed best at temperatures slightly warmer than room temperature.
- Appropriate Food and Water: Consistent access to nutritious food and hydration.
- Patience: Breeding takes time, and a colony will grow gradually.
However, be mindful of potential allergies. Prolonged exposure to roach frass (droppings) can lead to allergies in some individuals. For many, regular shipments from a reputable supplier are preferable to minimize allergy risks.
Dubia Roaches and Home Infestation: Escape Concerns
A common concern for pet owners is whether escaped dubia roaches can infest a home. Fortunately, dubia roaches cannot infest your house. They require higher temperatures and humidity to breed than are typically found in homes. Escaped dubias will likely hide and eventually die due to unsuitable conditions. In regions with climates that could support outdoor dubia roach survival, their ownership is often restricted, and suppliers do not ship to these areas.
Do Dubia Roaches Bite? Understanding Roach Defenses
No, dubia roaches do not bite. Unlike crickets or some other feeder insects known to bite and potentially harm pets, dubia roaches are completely harmless and pose no threat of biting.
Dubia Roach Wings: Male vs. Female Differences
One noticeable difference between male and female dubia roaches is the presence of wings. Male dubia roaches develop fully-formed wings, while females only have small wing stubs. This is a key characteristic for sexing dubia roaches.
Can Dubia Roaches Fly? Addressing the Flight Question
This brings us to the central question: Do Dubia Roaches Fly? While male dubia roaches possess wings, their flight capability is very limited. They are not strong fliers and are more likely to glide or flutter short distances rather than achieve sustained flight. Therefore, you don’t need to worry about dubia roaches flying away effectively. Their limited flight ability is more of a controlled descent than true flight.
Male Dubia Roach Wings
White Dubia Roaches: Understanding Molting
Occasionally, you might observe white dubia roaches in your colony. This is due to molting, a natural process where roaches shed their exoskeleton as they grow. Freshly molted dubia roaches have soft, creamy white bodies, which darken and harden to their normal color within a few hours. Many pets, especially reptiles and amphibians, find freshly molted roaches particularly appealing due to their soft texture, making them a palatable treat.
Are Dubia Roaches Creepy? Perception vs. Reality
Whether dubia roaches are “creepy” is subjective. However, they differ significantly in appearance from common household pest roaches. Many people who dislike typical roaches find dubia roaches less unsettling, even describing them as “cute,” sometimes comparing their appearance to roly-polies rather than pestilent cockroaches.
Want to delve deeper into dubia roach care? Check out our comprehensive Dubia Roach Care Sheet for more detailed information!
