The rhinoceros cockroach and Queensland gigantic cockroach are other names for the huge burrowing cockroach (Macropanesthia rhinoceros). They are the heaviest species of cockroach in the world, with weights up to 30-35 grams and lengths up to 7.5-8 cm (3.1 in). It belongs to the family Blaberidae, which has numerous species. It belongs to the Geoscapheinae subfamily of the blaberidae. It can be bought and kept as a pet and is common in the wild.
Keeping as Pet
The largest species of roaches that can be kept as pets is the giant roach. Although it is not the longest, it is the heaviest species of cockroach in the world. It is also perhaps the hardest to find outside of Australia, where the species is endemic.
Requirements to Keep as Pet
Care
Before this species can feel comfortable, it needs to maintain a burrow or at least feel like it is living in one. Maintaining this species on a shallow ground with few hiding spots may lead to stress, which may then lead to illness, molting problems, and even death. The huge burrowing cockroach, however, can live up to ten years and requires very little upkeep once their care needs are addressed.
Enclosure
A deep, loose substrate will be appreciated by this species. Maintain a gentle mist on the substrate—not wet—and cover it with a layer of oak-preferably—hardwood leaves. Escape from this animal is unlikely because it cannot climb or fly.
Feeding
The huge burrowing cockroach will thrive on a diet of oak leaves, fruit, and a little dog food, in addition to oak leaves. This species exclusively consumes specific eucalyptus species, however it is an expert feeder on their dry leaves. Giving the wrong kind of eucalyptus leaf can be dangerous; therefore, feeding hardwood leaves is advised.
Humidity
The humidity is not important to this species. To keep the substrate just a little bit moist, simply spray it. For the best chance of keeping the enclosure free from bacterial and mold growth, keep it very well ventilated.
Temperature
It is recommended to keep this species at a comfortable 75 degrees Fahrenheit. With a heat mat or light, can provide extra heating while only covering one side of the enclosure to produce a heat gradient.
Breeding
The giant burrowing cockroach matures sexually in around 4 years and is best kept in pairs for reproduction. A single “litter” of up to 20 nymphs, which the female gives live birth to, is raised for several months by both parents. The adults are superb parents who will gather and tear apart food for their children as soon as they become large enough to consume leaves, thus the nymphs don’t need any special care since very young nymphs feed on the frass of the parents. Though in nature, the young will remain with the adults for a full year, and can separate the nymphs from the parents at about 6 months of age.
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