Blaberus discoidalis
Classification
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Subphylum: Hexapoda
- Class: Insecta
- Order: Blattodea
- Superfamily: Blaberoidea
- Family: Blaberidae
- Genus: Blaberus
- Species: discoidalis
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Blaberus discoidalis: //ˈblæbərəs ˌdɪskoʊˈdaɪlɪs//
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Summary
Blaberus discoidalis, or the discoid cockroach, is a large cockroach native to Central America, notable for its size and adaptability as a pet food source and its use in insect eating competitions.
Physical Characteristics
Adults are around 35–45 mm (1.4–1.8 in) in length, tan with a dark brown to black patch on the pronotum. Juveniles are brown with tan speckles. Adults have wings but are not active fliers.
Identification Tips
Distinguished from other species by its size and the dark patch on the pronotum.
Habitat
Forests and woodlands, commonly found in tropical environments.
Distribution
Found in Jamaica, Cuba, Hispaniola, Puerto Rico, Panama, Colombia, Venezuela, Trinidad and Tobago, and Florida.
Diet
Omnivorous; primarily consumes organic matter in the wild, but also easy to raise in captivity for use as pet food.
Life Cycle
Matures to adulthood in 4–5 months; breeding age is reached at about 6 months in warm conditions.
Reproduction
Females carry eggs inside a brooding pouch until fertilized. A male fertilizes the eggs with a spermatophore.
Ecosystem Role
Serves as a food source for insectivorous animals and plays a role in the decomposition of organic matter.
Economic Impact
Used as pet food and in insect eating competitions. Also experimented with in the creation of miniature fuel cells.
Cultural Significance
Used in insect eating competitions; notable incident in 2012 involving a participant's death during such an event.
Collecting Methods
- Trapping
- Breeding in captivity
Preservation Methods
- Freezing
- Ethanol preservation
Similar Taxa
Misconceptions
Often confused with the death's head cockroach due to visual similarities.
Tags
- Blaberidae
- cockroach
- insect
- pet food
- biomimicry